The Cash Machine near the library
Students are finding it increasingly difficult to withdraw cash in the University of Westminster, Harrow Campus.
Although there are two cash machines on campus, one is usually out of order meaning that the other is beset by long queues.
Earlier, last month, the third machine was removed.
“The cash machines are never working. People have to go to Harrow or maybe the hospital. I am not sure why they don’t work. I am disappointed”, said Pia Carpenter, a student at the Harrow Campus.
Rianne Gordon, Vice President of the Student’s Union said, “The Barclays cash machine which was located by the old student’s union shop in the Street was removed as the contract had come to an end and the bank had chosen not to renew it. There are two more available, one in the Street and one in the refectory, which are owned by Aramark, the catering company.”
As the Costas in the forum and the refectory only accept cards when a minimum of £5 is spent, it is hard for students who can’t withdraw cash even to buy a coffee.
“Not having a working cash machine here is annoying. Sometimes I can’t withdraw money to even buy my lunch,” complained an undergraduate student.
Another student Anni Movsisyan said, “There is one here and one in the café, which only work between 9am to 3 pm.”
Rianne Gordon clarified, “At the moment, they are emptied mid-afternoon due to safety concerns. Discussions have been opened regarding the possible relocation of one of the ATMs to the Forum, which will mean it will be emptied much later in the day.”
Gordon says that for now, students who need cash but have been unable to withdraw from the machines can request cash back from the student’s union bar. There is also a cash machine in the hospital next to the university.
By Shefali Saxena