CONCERNS about people on low incomes being hardest hit by cash machine charges have prompted the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to run a survey highlighting the issue.

Wyre Forest residents are being urged to have their say about the charges as part of a national campaign this week.

Kate Bennett, manager of Wyre Forest Citizens Advice Bureau, is asking people to take part in the organisation's online survey about how cash machine charges affect them.

The CAB fears people on low incomes are particularly affected by the fees, which can be up to £1.85 for a withdrawal.

Those people also often need to take out small amounts of money in more frequent transactions or are forced to spend money on fares to reach places where they can get access to their money for free.

Mrs Bennett said the Wyre Forest branch was investigating how many cash machines were available in the area and how many charged for the service.

The information will soon be available at the New Road branch.

She added: "Cash machine charges hit people on low incomes and those living in deprived areas particularly hard, especially coupled with recent bank and post office closures and the move to payment of all benefits into accounts.

"We think banks and cash machines should always display clear warnings about when charges will be imposed and how much these will be.

"We will be carrying out our own research locally to see how clear the warning signs on cash machines in the area really are. We also want to make sure people know where they can find free machines locally, so we will be producing a list of these."

To take part in the CAB online survey, click on to www.adviceguide.org.uk