Cashzone ATMs maintain local lifeline at St Helens new Santander branches

London, 07 March 2012 – Cashzone, the UK’s fastest growing independent ATM provider, has installed 24-hour ATMs at four new Santander branches in St Helens, Merseyside.

Following the closure of Lloyd’s Halifax branches in Thatto Heath, Fingerpost, Rainford and Billinge – including the removal of all the cash machines, Cashzone was selected by Alexander House Agencies Ltd to provide crucial ATM services at the new Santander branches it set up in partnership with St Helen’s Council last year.

The free-to-use ATMs are now fully operational, supporting local businesses and residents which no longer face the threat of needing to travel to the Town Centre to carry out banking and cash withdrawal - as would have been the case without the intervention of the Council and Alexander House Ltd.

 “This is a landmark initiative by Alexander House which has been effective at replacing all the local banking facilities without branch loss.  This excellent initiative has been very important to the local communities affected. The Council has been proud to support the scheme,” commented Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Urban Regeneration and Housing in St Helens.

“We also recognise that access to cash is vital in sustaining local district centres and their businesses and the communities as a whole, so commend Cashzone in playing a key role in seamlessly maintaining these lifelines.”

St Helens Council and Alexander House Ltd responded swiftly to the Halifax closures and effectively contained potential impact to local businesses.

Cashzone’s  Business Development Director, Tim Halford reflects: “The traditional local banking landscape is changing, virtually unchecked.

“Communities are also feeling the impact of numerous challenges to local trading.  Cashzone considers local cash access a major consideration and works closely with local businesses, community leaders and UK councils to identify and maintain vital cash services and is proud to have been of service in St Helens.”

Alexander House Ltd has been promoting the new Santander branches directly to communities in the region, building awareness of the wide range of banking services offered to support residents and trade, keep communities open for business.

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