Bank on change

RBS were bailed out by the taxpayer and are still largely owned by the state.

But that has not stopped the bank axing branches. The trend continued yesterday when they announced they are to shut 30 more across Scotland.

This will be a major blow to those who like to do their banking face to face.

Customers’ concerns should be taken on board. However, RBS and other banks have to operate in the real world.

More of us do our banking online or over the phone and no business can afford to ignore changing consumer trends.

Maybe banks – like so many traditional local retailers– are simply no longer needed by enough customers in every neighbourhood.