A recent study has revealed the number of cash machines in Brecon and Radnorshire has decreased by 41 per cent in just four years.

The Grade has looked at the number of cash points that have closed since 2018 and Brecon and Radnorshire has seen one of the biggest declines in the UK.

With 41 per cent of ATMs closing since 2018, this has left just 5.8 free ATMs per 10,000 people and only 0.01 free ATMs per square kilometre.

The Bank of England’s recent report - “Knocked down during lockdown: the return of cash”, - highlighted that cash use remains essential for many groups.

The author of the study says we are “sleepwalking into an access to cash crisis” as many Brits are finding it simpler to monitor and control their budgets by dealing in notes and coins.

The Post Offie recently reported that it handled £3.45 billion in cash across its counters in August – the highest since its records began.

The study also says that older generations tend to rely more on cash - and with Brecon and Radnorshire having a pensioner rate 56.8 per cent above the national average there are concerns that the lack of ATMS could be keenly felt across the region.

The Bank of England report said: “Cash continues to be an important form of money for many – one in five people consider it to be their preferred payment method and 1.1 million people rely on it for their everyday spending.

“Even for those who may not use it day-to-day, cash remains an important back-up option.

“Cash remains a valued form of money for the elderly and those on lower incomes, with many using it to budget and manage their household finances.”

To view a map outlining the decrease of cash machine nationally please visit: https://www.thegrade.com/cashless-constituencies-the-atm-report