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Ipswich loses one in 10 cash machines since 2021

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich has lost 11 ATMs in three years, with the total falling from 119 to 108 since June 2021, mirroring a nationwide decline in cash machines.

Why it matters: The reduction in ATMs could affect residents who rely on cash, particularly elderly people who may not use digital banking.

By the numbers:

  • 108 ATMs currently in Ipswich

  • 96 are free to use

  • 12 charge fees

  • 9% reduction in Ipswich compared to an 11% reduction in the East of England

An ATM at Barclays in Ipswich town centre
A Barclays ATM in Ipswich town centreOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The bigger picture: The 9% decline in Ipswich since June 2021 reflects a broader trend across Britain:

  • The UK has lost 5,500 ATMs since June 2021

  • London and South West worst affected, losing one in seven machines

  • Rutland hit hardest, losing half its cash machines

What they're saying: Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, says free access to cash is "absolutely vital" for older people, many of whom don't manage money online.

New protections: The Financial Conduct Authority introduced rules in September requiring banks to:

  • Consider community impact before closing branches

  • Check if more services are needed before removing ATMs

The silver lining: Fee-charging machines are disappearing faster than free ones:

  • Over 20% of charging ATMs closed since 2021

  • Only 6% of free machines removed

Bottom line: While Ipswich's ATM network is shrinking, 96 free machines remain. LINK, which runs the UK's cash machine network, says 93% of people still live within a mile of free cash access.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Albanian drug dealer jailed after hiding cocaine in underwear

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

An Albanian man who concealed cocaine in his underwear and presented a fake driving licence to police has been jailed for 38 months.

Why it matters: The arrest led to the discovery of more than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine at an Ipswich address. Regi Salillari, 28, from Albania, was stopped by officers from the West Area Sentinel team on 29 January while driving in Thorney Way, Stowmarket.

Albanian drug dealer Regi Salillari
Albanian drug dealer Regi SalillariSuffolk Constabulary

The details: When approached by police, Salillari attempted to deceive officers by producing a counterfeit Italian driving licence.

Officers searched him and found:

  • Four bags of cocaine hidden in his underwear

  • More than £500 in cash

Following his arrest, a search of an address in Ipswich uncovered:

  • More than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine

  • Over £1,000 in cash

Cash and cocaine was seized by police
Cash and cocaine was seized by policeSuffolk Constabulary

In court: Salillari appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on 26 March, where he pleaded guilty to:

  • Possession with intent to supply cocaine

  • Driving with no insurance

  • Possessing a fraudulent document with intent to deceive

What they're saying: PC Harry Tully from the West Sentinel team said: "Salillari came to Stowmarket with the sole intention of supplying Class A drugs in the town. When intercepted by officers he attempted to deceive them by proving false details and producing fake documents which he had clearly gone to some lengths to obtain."

"Fortunately, the tenacious officers quickly saw past this elaborate ruse and he was arrested. We will continue to proactively target those involved in organised crime wherever they might be in our county."

The bottom line: Salillari now begins a 38-month prison term, as Suffolk authorities maintain their stance of significant custodial sentences for Class A drug dealers operating in the county.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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