August 6, 2005
Security concerns raised over new High Street cash machine kiosk

Town councillors have voiced concerns about the security of a new cash machine kiosk installed this week outside a busy Burnham night club.

The structure consists of a telephone kiosk and cash machine and has been installed outside Shakers in the High Street.

Fears have been expressed that its location may mean it attracts night-time vandalism and other crime-related problems.

Town council clerk Eileen Shaw told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I will be raising this matter with the police as the council has some concerns about the security of such a machine at this location."

Questions are also being raised as to whether BT, the owners of the machine, should have applied for planning permission before installing it.

Mrs Shaw added: "I need to find out if it requires planning permisison. To the best of my knowledge, none has been sought."

The high-tech kiosks were first launched in March 2004 by British Telecom and are being rolled out across the UK.

For security purposes, they are fitted with an ink-staining system. If an attempt is made to steal money from the kiosk, BT says a DNA traceable powder stains everything including the cash. The machines display warnings as a deterrent.