THE closure of three banks in the space of a year has left Brightlingsea shoppers strapped for cash.

Natwest, Barclays and Nationwide have all closed branches in the town, resulting in a shortage of ATMs.

The Co-op, which has two branches in the town, was forced to temporarily stop giving cash back to customers last month due to unprecedented demand.

Two remaining town centre ATMs are situated at Lloyds and Tesco, both in Victoria Place.

Brightlingsea district councillor Alan Goggin said: “Lloyds’ computer system crashed for about three hours and we had a big problem.

“The Co-op does cash back, but they had to stop because they ran out of money.

“It has caught us unaware, but the town will have to adapt.”

Mr Goggin fears the lack of available cash could harm retailers, and has urged residents to support their local shops.

He said: “It is a big issue for a lot of people.

“I spoke to some young guy who said he went out on a Friday night with friends and only one of them had any cash.

“It is like 20 years ago, before there were lots of ATMs, when if you wanted cash you would go to the bank and get enough to last the weekend.”

The Co-op has a cash machine at its branch in Samsons Road, but wants to install an ATM at its town centre store.

Sue Farrell, head of food operations for East of England Co-op, said: “As an independent retailer in Brightlingsea for decades, we are keen to support the community where possible.

“We have already made a request to our ATM provider to install a cash machine at the Station Road foodstore and are confident this can be achieved within the next three to six months.

“In the meantime, our customers are welcome to request cashback on their purchases or visit the cash machine at our supermarket in Samsons Road.”

In response to recent closures, Brightlingsea Town Council is offering banks the opportunity to hire out a room at the town hall to hold surgeries with customers.

It is understood Barclays is interested in holding monthly sessions on a trial basis.