A CASHLESS society would be a hammer blow for the vulnerable, bosses have told the Chancellor.

Industry leaders have urged Jeremy Hunt to protect ATMs.

They warn 14,000 have closed since 2014, and 37,000 are at risk.

NoteMachine, the UK’s second largest ATM provider, which organised the letter, also wants the Financial Conduct Authority to futureproof cash.

The signatories include the Association of Convenience Stores, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Petrol Services Network, and the Petrol Retailers Association.

Signatories say: “We must work to preserve access to the payment option most important to the financially vulnerable and digitally excluded — and to provide businesses with choice over their preferred method.”

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