Closure is ‘slap in the face to communities’
MP says RBS has failed to consider impact of move
reply – saying that they appear determined to press on with their plans despite considerable opposition.
More than 2000 people have already signed a petition launched to save the branch in Bannockburn – with dozens of people setting up camp outside the bank last month to highlight their anger at the proposal.
The Observer reported on Friday that the bank giant was looking to move into new premises at the Thistles Centre, just weeks after announcing a raft of branch closures.
A planning application has been submitted to Stirling Council to turn two units into a new retail bank.
It is understood that, if granted, this would result in the moving of operations from the current Pitt Terrace bank to the new building.
Mr Kerr described this move as a “slap in the face” for the communities set to lose their bank, having already voiced his disappointment at the bank’s reply to his letter on the closure plans.
In their response RBS said that they won’t be revisiting their decisions due to a significant reduction in bank usage.
They confirmed that in Bannockburn bank transactions have fallen by 25 per cent since 2012, while in Bridge of Allan they have fallen by 52 per cent and in Dunblane by 33 per cent.
They will be introducing a mobile branch to Dunblane where people can carry out a range of personal banking transactions while `community bankers’ will also visit the town to offer face-to-face support with customers.
Mr Kerr said: “I am extremely disappointed with the response from RBS. There is no evidence that the bank is seriously considering the issues generated by these closures and is determined to continue with their plans.
“The figures quoted for people using these branches could be used to justify their staying opening as there are still significant numbers using them.
“The alternatives are inadequate. Cash handling for businesses has not been addressed, and why is the mobile unit only going to Dunblane?”
There is no evidence that the bank is seriously considering the issues generated by closures