One ATM left in Bathurst

CANDICE BRADFIELD

FIRST National Bank will not be removing its last remaining ATM in Bathurst, as was previously believed.

An FNB ATM was removed from Shangri La superette last week. Residents were up in arms about it, and at the prospect they would have to travel through to Port Alfred for their banking if the second one at the Corner Shop was also removed.

But chief executive of banking channels at FNB, Barry de Witt, said the other ATM would remain in place.

He said FNB continuously reviewed its strategic direction which includes the self-service network.

"FNB is currently revisiting the retailer ATM strategy for many reasons, which include economic viability and risk factors,” he said.

Brenda Thomas, who works at Shangri La superette twice a week, believes the ATM should have stayed there as it was more central to Bathurst than at the Corner Shop which is not situated on the main road. She said she has seen about 100 people use the ATM to draw their pension funds in one day.

Resident Jenny Drummond said she was happy FNB will leave one ATM in Bathurst as it will benefit those who live in the nearby township. However she said it is not good news for Shangri La as they have provided a good service by being reliable, being open seven days a week and on public holidays.

Drummond said if she has to draw at the Corner Shop she will continue to spend her money at Shangri La.

"Such good people deserve our support,” she said.