THE plight of Dales residents and the continual loss of services in these remote areas is something we regularly feature.

But when it seems that every week something else is lost, or a community has to fight to retain something many urban dwellers take for granted, it is right we get behind the cause.

Earlier this month, the only outdoor cash machine in Hawes was broken for 10 days, leaving people unable to withdraw money after the Post Office and Spar shop had closed.

For a town the size of Hawes, with a population of around 1,200 people, surely more than one cash machine is not too much to ask? It is inevitable that these machines break or run out from time to time, and for people to have to swamp the shop and Post Office for cash seems ridiculous.

The last remaining bank, Barclays, is only open three days a week, giving the potential for further problems if the machine were to run out of cash at peak times, such as the summer season when tourists flock to the town to visit the Wensleydale Creamery, and motorcyclists fill the many cafes.

There is a campaign to try and get another freestanding cash point installed in the town – and a hope that HSBC, which closed its branch in October, may be able to provide it. Upper Dales Cllr John Blackie is on the case.

The Yorkshire Dales is also at risk of losing some of its most rural payphones as BT is currently running a consultation into their usage.

BT says it will not decommission payphones which are in blackspots, or that the community can demonstrate a need for.

Residents in the most rural parts of the Dales, and North York Moors are unlikely to give them up without a fight.