Proposals for a new banking hub in Abbots Langley have been shut down by LINK, as they told councillors they did not recommend additional banking services.
ATM network provider LINK stated that current facilities at other banks were adequate, and the deficiency of banking services was not causing a huge impact on the community.
Despite the decision, LINK confirmed that it was unacceptable that the cash machine in Sweenys is often cashless. They are now in discussions with the operator of Sweenys cash machine and are looking to secure an alternative if necessary.
However, residents across the village have expressed their disappointment. A petition in support of the new hub was launched previously and reached 2,500 signatures.
Abbots Langley Conservative councillors Vicky Edwards and Ian Campbell have now stated their decision to appeal the decision.
Speaking to ABBOTSnews, cllr Edwards said: “The bank closures left financially vulnerable and elderly residents reliant on local bus services to access their banks in Watford and Hemel Hempstead.
“But these buses are unreliable and do not take 22 minutes to reach Watford High Street as suggested by LINK.
“We are appealing the decision and are also in discussions with LINK and Gagan Mohindra MP in relation to the rules that operate the Banking Hub scheme.”
Earlier this year, representatives from LINK met with Mr Mohindra MP and cllrs Edwards and Campbell to discuss the need for more banking services.
Adam Wilkinson, public affairs manager from LINK responded in a statement, saying: “Elected representatives can appeal our decisions within 28 days of our original assessment report being published, and we will notify the appellant of the outcome within 12 weeks.
“Local bus timetables show that the number 329 bus takes 22 minutes from Abbots Langley to Watford, and this was verified on our site visit.
“If councillors believe this is incorrect, we ask that they include evidence in the appeal which we will then review.”
Yeah 22 mins in your dreams, what about adding the 10 or so minutes it’s always late, add another hour for when it doesn’t turn up at all. And interlink is as much use as a chocolate tee pot