A leading Liberal Democrat councillor in Gateshead has called on planning inspectors to uphold an appeal to allow a cash machine to be installed in a village Post Office.
Dr Jonathan Wallace, who represents Sunniside, has written to the Planning Inspectorate to support the appeal which he hopes will allow the Post Office in the village to have a cash machine installed in thefront of the building.
Gateshead Council rejected the application for the cash machine last year, claiming it would attract too many additional visitors to Sunniside Front Street. However, over 200 residents of the village, including Councillor Wallace, backed the plan.
“I feel the decision last year not to allow the machine to be installed was unreasonable,” said Cllr Wallace. “The Government has taken away a lot of business from Post Offices and branches need alternatives if they are to stay open.
“Many of them are ideally located for cash machines. Labour councillors in Gateshead have claimed in the past to be in support of Post Offices. It was disappointing last year that they failed to act on their claims.
“The cash machine will help to secure the future of Sunniside Post Office. It will also mean that the village has a 24 hour, free to use cash machine for the first time.
“The appeal against Gateshead’s decision is being considered now and I hope my letter to the Planning Inspectorate will help ensure it is successful.”
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