New cash point in Trent Road following Lib Dem campaign

5.07.25pm GMT Tue 27th Feb 2007

Residents of a Chelmsford estate are celebrating the news that HSBC Bank are to provide a free cash machine at their local shopping parade. They will install the machine on the site of the existing telephone kiosk in Trent Road, following action by local Lib Dem Councillor Simon Jones.

Cllr Jones contacted HSBC to ask them to provide the cash machine here. He said "Trent Road shopping parade is a very useful amenity for local people, even since the loss of the Post Office. This cash facility will make it more attractive. There is a cash machine in the paper shop, but it is only available when the shop is open and the charge is very off-putting."

Trent Road has had some improvements recently, including an additional car park for the flats, a Zebra crossing and improved CCTV coverage of the shops. Local action group CERA is also campaigning for further steps, such as a 20 MPH speed limit.

Local resident Gloria Nichols, of Avon Road, said, "A charge-free cash machine is very welcome news. It will be an extra convenience for local residents, especially pensioners, parents visiting Lawford Mead Schools and those without cars. It will enable them to get cash for shopping, travel and to pay for services. What Cllr Simon Jones in liaison with HSBC Bank has done will be much appreciated."