Sussex loses a quarter of cash machines since 2019

More free-to-use cash machines have been lost than those charging customers for each withdrawal

One quarter of cash machines have disappeared across East and West Sussex since 2019, the BBC has learned.

Data released by Link shows that there are now 365 fewer cash machines than there were five years ago, with Crawley seeing the biggest drop having lost 58 machines over the same period.

Of the machines that have been lost more were those dispensing cash without a fee, rather than those charging customers for each withdrawal.

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 constituency of Horsham in West Sussex has lost five cash machines in the past five years - the smallest loss in Sussex.

Meanwhile, the city of Brighton & Hove now has 287 cash machines compared to 332 in 2019 - an overall loss of 105.

Ms Abrahams added: "The decline in ATMs is concerning, although the new regulations recently introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) should protect access for the vast majority of people."

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