A VITAL cash machine in Upton will remain in place after Lloyds bank agreed to safeguard its long term future.

The bank has committed to keeping the ATM, which has remained in place despite the bank branch closing in 2018.

Town mayor Henrietta Ross welcomed the news, saying it is vital for the town.

Cllr Ross said: "I am pleased to see that a 24 hour cash machine has been retained at the former Lloyd's Bank building.

"Cash and access to it is still a vital part of the economy for so many people and this facility in Upton upon Severn can only be a good thing for residents and businesses."

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin worked closely with Lloyds to come up with a plan for keeping the machine in operation, and a brand new machine has been installed, operated by NoteMachine.

READ MORE: Residential home for autistic teenagers opens near Malvern

Mrs Baldwin said: "I have kept a close eye on this issue after Lloyds decided to shut down the last bank in town a couple of years ago.

"Local people stressed to me how important it was to preserve the cashpoint machine and I have received further reassurances form the bank that this will be preserved.

"It’s also great to see Upton open for business and buzzing with shoppers and tourists.

"I hope more people will be encouraged to enjoy summer safely as shops, pubs and restaurants all return to welcoming their customers back."

The Lloyds branch in Upton closed in 2018 after the banking giant announced a series of nationwide closures.

A spokesman said at the time: "We have made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often. In addition the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank."