Watford's loss of ATMs, removes "absolutely vital" free cash access for the older generation, say Age UK.

The town has lost one in seven ATM's in three year, mirroring a significant drop in cash machine numbers across the UK.

New analysis of LINK data, a network of cash machines, shows there were 88 ATMs open in Watford as of June - 67 are free to use, while 21 charge a fee.

This was a 15% decrease from 103 in June 2021, the earliest available local figures.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said free access to cash is "absolutely vital" for older people, given many of them do not manage their money online.

"The decline in ATMs is concerning, although the new regulations recently introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority should protect access for the vast majority of people."

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FCA rules introduced in September require banks to give more consideration to local communities before they close a branch, and firms must check whether more services are needed before an ATM is switched off.

"We hope that the Government will continue to monitor the situation and will be able to act if necessary," Ms Abrahams added.

Regional analysis shows London and the South West have been worst impacted, losing one in seven machines. In the East of England, 11% have closed.