VILLAGERS have been delighted by the news that their only bank has announced plans to install a cash machine.

Barclays caused fears earlier this year when it reduced its branch opening times to three days a week in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Some customers requested a cash point, and when one failed to appear they were worried that the branch might be closed.

But yesterday, Barclays said it intends to install the cashpoint as soon as planning consent is obtained from Teesdale District Council.

Karen Swainston, regional liaison manager for the bank, said: "We hope this demonstrates our commitment to the community of the Middleton area."

Earlier in the day, Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services, a farm help group, called on the bank to give an answer to a request it made some months ago for a cash machine.

Councillor Richard Betton, a member of the district council and farmer liaison worker for the group, said: "It is excellent to hear that this has been agreed as our area badly needs a cash point, especially at evenings and weekends.