New cash machine opened at site of former Welwyn Garden City post office

THE re-establishment of a cash machine has been branded a poke in the eye for Post Office bosses. The hole-in-the-wall at

THE re-establishment of a cash machine has been branded a "poke in the eye" for Post Office bosses.

The hole-in-the-wall at Huttons newsagents in Marsden Road, WGC, was removed following the closure of the post office counter there in November.

But on Thursday, residents, councillors and post office campaigners gathered for the official unveiling of a new ATM, which has been provided by Hatfield-based company Bank Machine.

Dr Dennis Lewis, who formed a council of war to fight the closure of the branch, said: "This is a happy day indeed that makes up for some of the damage inflicted by Post Office Ltd in closing our post office and its associated services."

He added: "I hope that the machine runs red hot all day every day."

The hole-in-the-wall was opened by Welwyn Hatfield deputy mayor Kim Langley.

She told the WHT: "I love communities.

"I think communities are very important and it is nice to celebrate an opening of a cash machine with a lovely party of people from this community."

Lib Dem councillor Tony Skottowe, who represents Handside, said he was "chuffed to bits" at the opening.

"It is a very positive day for Handside," he said.

"I am hoping very much the amount of usage will exceed what it was before."

He added: "It is a nice poke in the eye for the post office."

Stephanie Pridmore, sales director of Bank Machine, said: "It is important to have one here because some people have not got cars.

"It is so nice that they can come here and use the machine."

She added: "It is good to give something back to the community."

The cashpoint is free to use.