THE Citizens Advice Bureau in Bury is urging people to have their say on cash machine charges as part of a campaign launched this week.

CAB bosses are worried that fees charged by some machines have an unfair impact' on people on low incomes who often need to take out small amounts frequently.

People can take part in an online survey about how cash machines charges affect them. Of the 53,000 cash machines in the UK, 20,000 charge a flat rate of up to £1.50p per transaction, regardless of the sum withdrawn.

Heather Johnston, Bury District CAB social policy co-ordinator, said: "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 hope everyone who can will take part in our quick and easy survey on how cash machine charges affect them.

"The result will be used in our campaign for a better deal for everyone."

Bury District CAB stress that almost 6,000 bank closures since 1990 have left many of those who can least afford it with little option but to use high-charging convenience cash machines or else spend money on fares to reach places where they can access their money free of charge.

A preliminary CAB poll of more than 1,200 people found that a quarter use a charging cash machine at least once a week.

Four in 10 said they were not warned in advance of the charge and one-in-five don't know where to find free machines.

To take part in the survey log on to www.adviceguide.org.uk