Fury at bank closures
Two Wee County banks face the chop as part of a Scottish firm’s largest-ever closure plan.
The Clydesdale Bank has announced that it is to shut 40 branches across the country.
Around 200 jobs are to go, and branches in Alloa and Tillicoultry are amongst those listed to close.
Clydesdale Bank said the move is part of a £350million project to reshape its services towards electronic banking.
It said the banking industry in the UK had seen bank visits fall by a third since 2011.
Customer banking director Gavin Opperman said:“While the decision to close any branch is never an easy one, it is important that we, in line with other banks operating in the UK market, continue to respond to changes in the way customers want to bank.”
Customers in Clackmannanshire are set to face travelling to Stirling to access their nearest Clydesdale Bank, a round trip of more than 15 miles. The Murray Place branch is not thought to be under threat.
Rob MacGregor, national officer for Unite the union, said staff are devastated by the news.
He added:“Unite is clear that the closure of a third of the bank’s branches will not only be concerning for staff but the local communities which will see their bank branch close. This costcutting plan leaves customers with less choice for local banking.”
Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown, who is to seek a meeting with bank bosses, said:“I am deeply disappointed at the announcement from the Clydesdale Bank that they intend to close branches in Tillicoultry and Alloa.
“This latest round of closures follows the closure of the Dollar branch last year and will leave the Clydesdale Bank with no presence in Clackmannanshire at all. Local banking facilities are crucial particularly for small businesses and people without access to transport and this announcement will come as a blow to many people.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with the bank’s chief executive to discuss the issue further and to make the case to retain local services.”
Hillfoots Councillor Archie Drummond said that although banking habits change, saving the branch was worth a fight due to its importance to the community.
He explained:“A bank is extremely important to a small town. Not just for the convenience at the counter, but also for small businesses and it is a feature on the high street.”