Bank faces more calls to replace cash machine wrecked in raid

A masked gang attempted to steal the ATM cash dispenser in North Cave last month by driving a forklift truck into a wall in the early hours of the morning, but fled empty-handed after being disturbed.

Despite its proud claim of the being "the world's local bank", HSBC said it had decided not to replace the machine because it might put customers and residents of the building at risk if there was another raid.

The announcement angered villagers who now face a journey to South Cave or Howden to access a cash machine and sparked a campaign to have it restored.

An East Riding councillor is now hoping to add weight to the campaign by enlisting his colleagues' support in asking the bank to change its mind.

Coun Paul Robinson will table a motion at a meeting of East Riding Council tomorrow which reads: "On June 21 there was an attack against the North Cave HSBC ATM cash machine, which was forcibly removed, badly damaged and left in the road after the raiders were allegedly disturbed.

"Since the incident the ATM machine has not been replaced and the building has been boarded up. Approaches to HSBC have resulted in confirmation that the machine will not be replaced."

He requests that "this council writes to HSBC urging them to reconsider their decision not to replace the ATM cash machine in North Cave, pointing out in the strongest possible terms the strength of local feeling and the adverse effect on residents' amenity, and yet another example of rural communities facing cuts to services".

The bank has already been formally asked to reconsider in correspondence from Haltemprice and Howden MP David Davis, who wrote to the chairman of the bank calling the decision not to replace the machine "ludicrous".

North Cave Parish Council has twice written to the company urging a rethink, and villagers have also launched a petition.

Resident Steve Skipsey, who launched the petition, said they had come to rely on the machine since HSBC closed the branch where it was located four years ago. He described it as a "vital service" also used by people from neighbouring villages.

Coun Robinson also said the loss of the facility would be felt in the wider community.

The raid shattered the peace of the village when three men wearing balaclavas began ramming the wall of the bank at 3.30am.

Witnesses said that after smashing their way in they began wrapping straps around the ATM machine in an attempt to pull it free from the premises.

They got as far as the pavement before abandoning the machine and escaping in a white low loader van and a blue BMW four-door saloon car after apparently being disturbed by a car that had entered the village.

The cash machine was left on the pavement and police confirmed no money was stolen.

Police are waiting for forensic test results and are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

A spokeswoman for HSBC said: "HSBC has taken the difficult decision not to replace the vandalised branch ATM at North Cave.

"Following a thorough exploration of alternative facilities available and the responsibilities associated with maintaining an ATM at this particular location, we are confident there are other, more appropriate alternatives for people requiring access to banking facilities in the area.

"If there are any people who do experience specific issues arising from our decision, we would look at each of these on an individual case-by-case basis."