Legal action against banks

MORE than 1,100 current account holders believe they have been the victims of 'phantom withdrawals' through cash dispenser machines, according to the solicitors J Keith Park of St Helens, Merseyside.

The lawyers are bringing a multi-plaintiff case against several banks and building societies, seeking damages for the missing money. The names of only nine plaintiffs are on the writs at the moment but the firm hopes to add many more in the next few weeks. Legal aid applications have already been approved for another 60 potential plaintiffs.

The solicitor dealing with the case, Denis Whalley, said he planned to be back in court 'within a matter of months'.

In total J Keith Park is dealing with more than pounds 1m in disputed cash machine withdrawals. The largest amount allegedly removed from one account is pounds 19,000.