How RBS has shut 60% of branches

ROYAL Bank of Scotland has axed 1,423 branches since it was bailed out by taxpayers a decade ago – slashing its network by almost two-thirds.

The savage cuts have left dozens of towns and villages with no bank on the High Street, forcing elderly people and shopkeepers to travel miles for basic services.

Records show Natwest owner RBS had 2,276 branches in 2007. It has since closed 63 per cent of its network to leave just 853. Campaigners and MPs said the cuts are a slap in the face for ordinary people after £46billion of their money was used to save the bank after years of mismanagement.

SNP MP Stuart Hosie, a member of the Treasury select committee, said: ‘When RBS closes the last branch in town, the impact can be awful.’

RBS this week said it plans to close another 54 branches.