A MERSEYSIDE village is claiming a historic victory after fears shoppers would desert it completely after the last bank closed its doors.

Businesses in Rainhill are celebrating after it was announced a free cashpoint will be installed nearby.

It followed an appeal by the Daily Post and the businesses and shoppers of Dane Court Shopping Centre for a cash machine and free parking.

Traders claimed the village had been forgotten and feared it would lose its proud identity.

In May 2006, Rainhill lost its free car parking with the introduction of 24-hour fees, and its only bank machine when HSBC went earlier this year.

Traders called the loss a death knell – but Rainhill Cllr Barrie Grunewald and St Helens South MP Shaun Woodward have convinced ATM operator bank machine to put a free point in the village.

Nicola Crossman, who owns Nicola’s Shop And Save, said the introduction of the cash machine signalled a fresh start for Rainhill.

She said: “It was a fantastic victory for the traders and shoppers who have wanted a cash machine for months.

“It will stop people having to travel outside the area for their shopping.

“When HSBC was here, there were queues of people withdrawing money and spending it in the shops. Hopefully the new cash machine will attract people back.”