RBS plans for Thistles premises
RBS has submitted plans to move into a new premises at the Thistles Centre.
The premises outlined, units 22 and 23, are located at the entrance to the shopping centre in Murray Place – opposite the Pizza Express and Sainsbury’s store.
One of the units has been empty for two years, but was previously occupied by Costa Coffee, while the other is currently used by Savers Health and Beauty who have it on a short term lease.
The applicants say that a total of 10 staff would be employed in the bank should it be given the green light.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:“Any plans to create new local jobs is welcome. However, having met with RBS representatives to discuss the impact of the closure of the Bannockburn branch, it was clear that one of the major options for local people in terms of access to banking services was using the Pitt Terrace branch.
“I have been in touch with RBS since this application was submitted to find out more about what this means for services being offered in Stirling city centre.
“In the meantime, my SNP colleagues in Westminster continue to push the Tory Ministers to intervene on the large number of RBS branch closures across Scotland.
“The UK Government owns 73 per cent of RBS. It is simply not good enough for them to sit back and do nothing.”
MP Stephen Kerr added: “This is a real slap in the face for everyone in Bannockburn, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan. What a high-handed approach from RBS. They are happy to walk away from communities when it suits them and immediately open up elsewhere.”
An RBS spokesperson said: “Royal Bank of Scotland is exploring potential options to update and enhance its branch presence in the Stirling area and will be communicating further details in due course.”
The Bannockburn branch at Quakerfield is set to shut on May 15, while the Bridge of Allan bank, on Henderson Street, is due to shut on June 11 and the Dunblane branch on High Street on May 20.
Bank of Scotland branches in Alva, Denny, Bridge of Allan and Stirling are also set to close later this year.
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr says RBS are failing to seriously consider the issues being highlighted by communities concerned about branch closures.
The Conservative politician wrote to bank bosses to express his anger that banks in Bannockburn, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan are to shut.
However he says he has been left less than satisfied with their