Bank loss is ‘a kick in the teeth for town’
Community chiefs have described the loss of another Perthshire bank as a“kick in the teeth”.
Crieff has been left short changed after the TSB closed its doors for the final time last week, with the Bank of Scotland – which only operates on a part-time basis – the last remaining bank.
It is just the latest of a number of banks to close across Perth and Kinross over the past few years.
Harry Thomason, chair of Crieff Community Council said: “It’s a kick in the teeth, especially when local businesses are trying so hard. We still have businesses that take cash but it makes it harder for them to operate. The Bank of Scotland is only open three days a week.
“If we had done what Comrie did and had more people backing us when the TSB announced they were closing we might have got a reprieve.”
Meanwhile, the availability of free to use cash machines in Crieff is increasingly becoming an issue for locals, businesses and visitors to the town.
Mr Thomason continued: “The TSB machine in the High Street left Crieff on Tuesday on the back of a lorry, so the only 24-hour hole in the wall we have left is the Bank of Scotland one – and it regularly runs out of money.
“We have a new machine in RS McColls and the Co-op and you can also use the Post Office, but it is not enough.”
Local business group Crieff Succeeds has been liasing with the Bank of Scotland to ensure that there is a readily available supply at its Galvelmore Street cash line following a recent dry spell at the hole in the wall.
David McCann, manager of Crieff Succeeds said: “I am very conscious that the Bank of Scotland is the last bank in town and they have been very supportive. Recently their cash machine, which is the one most easily found, particularly by visitors to the town, has had operational issues and been unable to dispense cash.
“They assure me that they will do their best so that this will not reoccur and that their cash machines shouldn’t run out of cash.”
Mr McCann added: “We will also be looking at other pressures we can bring to bear on providers to ensure that the town has an adequate supply and source for free to access cash machines. I feel the Clydesdale, which is now run by Virgin, and the TSB should be looking to have a provision for their customers that have been loyal for so many years.
“The Co-op and RS McColls have got cash machines, which helps the situation. However, it is vitally important that we work to ensure that everyone, particularly those who are visiting the town, are aware of where they can access free to use machines and that these machines will be able to dispense cash at all times.”
It’s a kick in the teeth, especially when local businesses are trying so hard