Botton Village welcomes new Post Office counter and cash machine

Botton Village Store is one of just eight locations in Britain chosen to take part in the Access to Cash pilot scheme.

The scheme, which is supported by the UK Government and the banking industry, aims to improve access to cash, accepting that not everyone has a bank account or the ability to use alternative ways to pay for items such as debit cards or online banking.

In 2020, Camphill Village Trust made a successful application to the Community Access to Cash Pilot scheme as one of the areas where it is getting increasingly difficult to access money due to the rural location.

Once the bid was successful, a team of staff and people supported in the village worked together with the Access to Cash team to decide what resources were needed in Botton Village and also what would benefit the surrounding communities.

Steven James, General Manager, Botton Village said: 'I am delighted that we were chosen to be part of the Access to Cash Scheme.

“Having a Post Office facility and an ATM within our community will make it much easier for those we support to have access to their own cash and enable people we support to become more independent with their finances.

“It is also fantastic that these facilities will also support our wider neighbouring communities where access to services is limited’.

The team has developed a learning area which focuses on education for people who need support to use cash, open and use bank accounts, budgeting skills, online banking and how to use the Post Office and ATM.

They also received funds to purchase equipment including two new desktop computers, two iPads, ergonomic chairs and computer desks and a range of equipment for people with additional sensory and physical needs, such as the use of headphones for somebody with a learning disability which can block out other sensory distractions and allow them to focus on their learning and concentration.

The learning area will allow rurally isolated people to access static IT systems at Botton Village and manage their on-line banking. They are located in the Centre of the village to allow ease of access to all.

The Post Office counter will operate six days a week and will offer all the usual services including stamps, domestic and international parcel deliveries and banking services.

Adam, who lives in Botton Village said: 'I can check my bank account in the Village Store now as it has a new Post Office and ATM. It is safe and also can get money out when I really need it’ 

The Post Office is open Monday - Friday 10am til 4pm and on a Saturday 10am til 1pm.