CASH machines installed illegally are continuing to pop up across the city forcing residents in poorer areas to pay a fee when withdrawing money.

But now planning chiefs at Glasgow City Council are taking action and have rejected a retrospective planning application for one near Central Station.

Cardtronics Cashzone had applied for an ATM at 65 Union Street near Glasgow Central. The machine, which is in operation, will now have to be removed.

Labour councillor Malcolm Cunning revealed that since 2014 there have been at least 18 cash machines installed unlawfully across Glasgow.

Of these applications, six were deemed to be in less well-off areas in the city including Tollcross, Maryhill and Cardonald.

Of the two cash machines installed illegally in Maryhill in 2017, the ATM at 1113 Maryhill Road, run by Cardtronics charged 95p.

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The same company also charged 95p at their ATMs on 27 and 186 Paisley Road West in Cardonald. Planning permission was only sought and approved once each machine was operational.

Councillor Malcolm Cunning said it was an “absolute scandal.”

He said: “Many of these machines are in areas are in areas where there isn’t a bank.

“People living in high levels of poverty are being charged to access their cash. They don’t always trust flashing their card or using chip and pin to pay for food or clothes.

“Quite often these companies will allow people to view their balance for free but charge you to make a cash withdrawal – it is hideous. It is an absolute scandal.

The councillor believes these companies should be prosecuted for exploiting the disadvantaged.

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He continued: “It costs the exact same to submit a retrospective planning application as is does a normal one.

“If we increased the costs of submitting a retrospective planning application then I believe it would deter companies from breaking the rules in the future.”

A spokesman from Cardtronics said: “Cardtronics’ process for installing any new ATM includes seeking the appropriate planning permissions wherever it is needed.

“In these instances, the process is ongoing and we are continuing to work closely with the council to make sure that we are meeting their requirements while we continue to ensure that cash remains viable in communities that need it most.”