INVERCLYDE'S MP has vowed to keep fighting fees at cash machines in Inverclyde after five ATMs became 'pay-to-use'.

Ronnie Cowan is unhappy that the machines at the Costcutters stores at Roxburgh Street and Grieve Road plus the Londis in Brougham Street are now charging customers to lift their own cash.

The card machines at Saleem News in Fancy Farm Road and Stewart Stores in Braeside Road are also charging.

It is expected that an additional seven ATMs will in the area will follow suit and become pay to use, sparking anger about a tax on people's money.

Mr Cowan is se to meet with UK Finance, a trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector, at Westminster this week.

He says he will use the talks to to highlight his concerns.

Mr Cowan said: "It was deeply disappointing to learn of the number of ATMs in Inverclyde which have become pay to access cash.

"As I have mentioned previously, this is a stealth tax which will affect some of the most vulnerable people in Inverclyde.

"This is something I’ve raised directly with HM Treasury.

"I will be meeting with UK Finance to further highlight my concerns."

The MP says he will also ask how Inverclyde can access the Community Access to Cash Initiative - a new fund set up to help local areas to identify and secure appropriate access to cash and payment services.

He said: "It’s vital we improve access to cash and payment services and I hope this meeting will provide assistance and clarity."