THE PEOPLE of Blackbird Leys can now look forward to having a free-to-use cash machine on the estate.

The Royal Bank of Scotland last week snubbed Blackbird Leys after deciding it did not qualify for one of the 300 free cash machines being introduced in deprived areas nationwide.

But this week it reversed its decision, bowing to pressure from Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and citing the strength of "community feeling" as the reason for the U-turn.

The bank had said the area did not qualify for a machine as there were others within one kilometre, despite the only machine on the estate charging £1.75 for each withdrawal.

The move delighted Mr Smith, who said: "This will be a huge boost to Blackbird Leys.

"The bank has now pledged there will be a machine, subject to finding a suitable location.

"I impressed on RBS how important this is to people. It's about getting a fair deal for the estate."

The hunt is now on to find a venue for the machine, with the post office and the Blackbird Leys Credit Union being suggested as the most likely sites.

Mr Smith was yesterday due to meet with Jim Hewitt, treasurer of the credit union, a city council officer and a representative from the cash machine installation company to discuss possible venues.

He said: "The bank is determined to find somewhere and I'm optimistic they will."

Mr Hewitt said: "A free-to-use cash machine is very much needed. A large number of people used the machine here when it was free. So many people on the estate are on a low income and need cash quickly that access to cash is very important."

Mr Smith added: "This will save people a lot of money. It's a very basic thing, to be able to access your money for free, especially for people on a low income who typically draw out smaller amounts but still incur the fixed charge."

The free cash machine plan was devised after Mr Smith, who lives in Blackbird Leys, raised the issue in the House of Commons.

RBS launched the scheme last month asking residents who have no access to a free cash machine to nominate their area.

Blackbird Leys was then told it did not satisfy the criteria because it is within one kilometre of machines at Boots and Tesco in Cowley.

But Mr Smith said the bank had since realised it was being "too rigid" with its criteria.