Ellesmere Port & Neston MP, Justin Madders has consistently campaigned against the closure of ATM machines, bank branches and Post Offices in the constituency.

Between January 2015 and August 2019, over three thousand high street bank and building society branches closed nationally, of which at least 481 were Barclays branches.

With the town centre in Neston having lost all its banks, keeping post offices in the constituency open and ensuring they provide some of those everyday banking services has become more important than ever.

Earlier this month, Mr Madders, as part of a group of cross-party MPs, wrote to Barclays Bank regarding their decision to withdraw cash withdrawal services from Post Office branches, meaning customers would no longer be able to make over-the-counter withdrawals from January next year. In their letter, they demanded that Barclays review the decision that would leave people without easy access to cash.

Following the letter, Barclays have reversed their decision and committed to maintaining cash withdrawals using a debit card for the next three years.

Justin Madders said, “The Post Office network is highly valued by people across Ellesmere Port and Neston. Free and easy access to cash forms the bare foundation of the service customers should expect to receive.

Using cash is a matter of choice for some, but many people and small businesses are unable to access digital services or use contactless payments and rely on cash for their everyday lives.

I’m delighted that Barclays have reversed their decision and that those who live and work in Ellesmere Port and Neston will continue to be able to access face-to-face banking services following this successful campaign.”