Ross hails major success for Cullen ATM campaign
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THE campaign to bring back a cash machine to Cullen has scored a major success.
After months of discussions and visits between elected Conservative politicians in Moray and Link, who facilitate ATM machines across the country, the latter has agreed there is a case for a machine in the village.
The proposal is to be put out to contract where ATM providers can bid to run the machine with an installation date hopefully by Easter.
Douglas Ross MP, who has championed the ATM cause since the loss of the bank in Cullen, said “I’m delighted that following a strong campaign by my Scottish Conservative colleagues and local representatives, Link have agreed with us that there is a need for a free to use cash machine to be available 24/7 in Cullen.
"It was clear from discussions I had during the election campaign last year that this was a key issue for local people and businesses so I’m pleased to see this progress in our campaign.
“This has been a real team effort between myself, local councillors and community representatives to engage with Link and it’s clear they now agree there is a need for this facility in Cullen and I look forward to seeing which companies bid to run the service."
Moray Conservative group leader Councillor Tim Eagle praised Link for the way they dealt with the issue to date.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism and dedication that Link staff have given to us during this process," he continued.
"On two occasions they have sent senior staff and board members to Cullen to speak with local people and businesses.
"I am truly delighted that they agree with us that Cullen is deserving of a free to use cash machine to help ensure tourists and local people have access to cash.”
Also welcoming the news were Keith-Cullen Tory councillors Donald Gatt and Laura Powell.
Councillor Donald Gatt said: “It has come up in surgeries and at meetings in the ward that access to cash is important, for a while I was not confident we could get a machine back.
"Thankfully Link had recognised the rural gap in ATM provision throughout the country and working together it looks highly likely the new cash machine will be in place by Easter.”
Councillor Powell added: “As a former post office manager I have a deep understanding of the need to access cash for a range of reasons and whilst we live in an age where cards are used a lot there are still many reasons people need cash.
"Whilst the post office is a source of cash it is not available 24 hours and I used to have to restrict customers as I could only keep so much behind the counter. This is a real welcome to local people and businesses in the town.
"I think we spoke to almost every business in Cullen and I was delighted so many were keen to engage with us.”
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