00:00In the south-west of England, including the Bristol area, access to cash is under particular pressure.
00:06Between 2012 and 2022, the number of bank and building society branches declined by approximately 45%, the largest regional fall in the country.
00:18A research publication mapping cash access in the Bristol region highlighted local variations in withdrawal facilities, especially outside high footfall town centres.
00:27Meanwhile, ATMs per 10,000 residents in the south-west stood at 6.3 compared to higher averages elsewhere, underlining the relative scarcity of free-to-use machines.
00:39With many small independent businesses still handling cash takings and older customers relying on notes, ensuring convenient and free access to withdrawals and deposits remains a priority for community and local government planning.
00:52So, even as cards and phones take over, notes and coins still keep communities, businesses and families connected.
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