TOWN councillors in Ross-on-Wye have been quizzed over the lack of cash available in town and the future of its banking facilities.

At Monday’s meeting of Ross Town Council Margaret Pearce pointed out to members during the public questions that two Saturdays out of the last six weekends there has been no cash available at any of the town’s ATMs.

“There is still a cash economy out there, especially those that are carefully managing their money,” she said.

“And with Santander closing its doors at the end of the month it will leave the town with one bank left in the town. What is the position of Ross getting a banking hub?”

Meeting chairman Cllr Julian Utting admitted that he recently experience the same problem and said: “I couldn’t find any cash at any of the local machines. It makes me acutely aware of the problem.

“However, it is a commercial decision by the banking outlets. However, there is fighting talk locally about getting a banking hub, for Ross.”

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll said that he had already applied to Link, the operator of the banking hubs, and had asked the body if Ross could be tested to see if it qualifies for such a provision.

“However, we still have the Nationwide and the Post Office at present and Link will compare this with the population of the town to establish if the town is eligible for a banking hub or not,” he said.

“I will continue pushing for this facility for the town. Unfortunately, we couldn’t force Santander or Lloyds Bank to stay open. A banking hub isn’t the same as having a high street branch in the town, but it would be an advantage.

“The quality of banking hubs does vary, depending on the amount of money put into it. We have applied and can only ask.”