Cash machines urged for churches

A senior clergyman wants cash machines to be installed in churches - because it will help serve the community.

The Archdeacon of Lincoln, the Venerable Arthur Hawes, said people in rural areas sometimes have to travel more than 10 miles to withdraw cash.

He said his idea was inspired by medieval times when churches were used for a range of activities.

But the proposal would need to be approved by the Church of England's own planning authority.

We live in a credit card age but we still need cash for some things Arthur Hawes, Archdeacon of Lincoln

Mr Hawes said: "Already in some churches they have post offices.

"In Lincolnshire, there are lots of churches with rooms built on to them with kitchen facilities and toilet facilities, where people can meet because often it is the only public building left in a village," he said.

The archdeacon said the idea had not faced opposition from parishioners.

He added: "I know we live in a credit card age but we still need cash for some things.

"These people have to travel all that distance, which costs them money, so why not put a cash machine somewhere handy like in a church."

Centre of community

A spokesperson from the Church of England said permission would need to be sought from a church's local diocese before a cash machine was allowed to be installed.

He added: "Increasingly, we are seeing churches coming forward with a range of ideas, which reinforce their position at the centre of their communities.

"These range from churches who have taken on a local post office or village store."

Canon Chris Sugden, executive secretary for the Anglican Mainstream group, backed the idea.

He said: "With the withdrawal of banks and post offices from rural areas, it is quite appropriate that churches, as a community building should be available for services of this kind."