Archive - Thursday, 4 April 2002


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Will Norton finally get its own cash machine?

NORTON is one step closer to getting its own 24-hour cash machine - if council planners give the go-ahead.

Postmaster James Hands is hoping to install a cash point in the post office window in Church Street.

Residents have campaigned to get recognition from the high street banks for years, but until now, the town has been passed over.

Although Norton still has no branches, the Alliance & Leicester is working with Consignia to install a hole-in-the-wall machine.

Mr Hands said: "A letter was sent out by Consignia asking if people were interested in having an ATM cash machine, and I sent it straight back saying I was very interested.

"It's something we desperately want in this town."

Mr Hands said the customers he had spoken to were backing him all the way.

He said: "Everybody has been behind us, and if everything goes through with Ryedale District Council at the planning stage, then it will be up and running in no time at all.

"The plans were drawn up in less than a week - they could see how keen I was. I have been fighting for this for the town.

"All I really want is for people to be able to get money whenever they want in Norton."

Mr Hands added: "We have to do something more to put Norton on the business map.

"If people go to get their money from up in Malton, then they will spend it in Malton."

Norton town councillor David Lloyd-Williams said he was delighted at the prospect of having a 24-hour cash point.

He said: "We will welcome this in the town.

"All we have now are in-store machines which are only available during opening hours, and they can be quite expensive.

"This will enable people to get money out early on a Sunday morning or when it's late and they have forgotten something.

"The facility exists outside the banks in Malton, so we want to have some of the same in Norton."

A spokeswoman from Ryedale District Council said it was too early to say when the application would go before the planning committee.

Updated: 12:35 Thursday, April 04, 2002