Barclays shouldn't leave holes in their cash machine, then refuse to return my card

[christywhisty]

Went to get cash out of a barclay cash machine on the way to work. I put my card in the hole expecting to feel the rollers pulling it in, there were no rollers and before I could stop it the card fell in.
Couldn't see the screen very well becauseof reflection so didn't realise it was out of service
Went straight into the branch, told them my card was in the machine and could i have it back. Gormless Girl said "no"
asked "why not?"
"there servicing it at the moment and thats why there was a hole"
"If there servicing can't the get my card for me"
"no"
"why not"

"because they are locked in the room"

"can't someone ring them and get my card"
"no"
"How do I get my card back"

"we can't give it to you back, it has to be sent back to your branch and they will sent it back to you"

By now really, really annoyed so asked to see the manager.

Manager just as unhelpful.
I asked "can't you take it to Natwest next door and I will pick it up from there"
"no, we have to destroy it at the end of the day, we don't know why the machine retained your card"

She knew very well the machine hadn't retained my card, and the problem was that it was being serviced.
Can't they understand this ridiculous "computer says no attitude" just ends up with irate customers.

Went to Natwest next door, they ordered me a new card which will take 7 days. They said they would not have destroyed and it I showed proof of id they would have returned the card to me straight away.

I was late for work by half an hour because of this thankfully the owner was out.

I now have no cash card and can't use cheques because this is also the cheque guarantee card, because barclays staff cannot use their commonsense. Luckily DH came back (been away for a week on business) and dropped by with cash for me.

[MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo]

Yes a degree of common sense should have been used, especially if you repoerted it as it happened.

[christywhisty]

To add insult to injury, I have just spent half an hour typing out a complaint on their website. It's says I have not put anything in the "your comments box" and won't submit it.

[AphroditeInHerNightie]

Numpties!
I'd be attempted to slot a few extra items in the hole....local dustbin outside your nearest takeaway joint might provide some inspiration.

[AphroditeInHerNightie]

tempted, even! duh!