Residents have spoken of their frustration as their town's only cash machine has been out of order for several weeks.

The ATM is located just inside the Co-op store in The Square, Beaminster, and is operated by Cashzone.

The cash machine is the only such facility in the town after a major incident in 2018 when thieves used a stolen tractor to haul a cashpoint from a wall, partially demolishing a building in the process.

The Co-op ATM has been out of order because of a leak in the roof of the store.

A spokesperson for the supermarket chain said that it was awaiting permission from Dorset Council to put up scaffolding on the pavement outside to investigate the leak.

Beaminster resident Karel Herman, who lives in Hogshill Street, said that several businesses in the town only accept cash, which has made the loss of another ATM even more difficult.

He added this is 'detrimental' to the nearby businesses as well as a 'significant amount' of the Beaminster community who rely on cash. 

"I was informed by staff at Co-op that only recently an application was made to Dorset Council for a licence to put up scaffolding to fix the roof leak and ATM," Mr Herman said.

A spokesperson for Co-op said that cashback is available in the store from 7am to 10pm daily and it is not in charge of operating the ATM.

They added that reports of the cash machine being out of order for up to three months was 'incorrect'. 

“Co-op is committed to providing added services to serve and support its communities, including access to cash," they added.

"We recognise that a cash machine provides a vital service locally, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"To fix the ATM permanently we are awaiting permission to erect scaffolding on the pavement to investigate and fix a leak which has affected the operation of the machine over recent weeks.

"Cashback is available in the store throughout its extensive opening hours.”

The ram raid in August 2018 left a huge hole in the wall of the Grade II-listed building and rubble strewn over the road near The Square.

The centre of the town was blocked off as police launched an investigation and the a cash machine has not returned to the site since.

In May 2019, several months after the incident which shook the town, work finally started to repair major damage to the building.