Blow for town centre as bank set to close
Locals and businesses alike stand to be adversely affected following the decision to close the last remaining bank branch in Auchterarder.
That ’ s the view of political representatives for the Lang Toon, who have reacted to news the Bank of Scotland premises on the High Street is to close on August 27.
Parent company Lloyds Banking Group announced plans to close 56 of its branches across the UK.
The figure includes 15 Bank of Scotland financial hubs as the wider firm responds to what has been described as “changing customer behaviour”, notably an increase in online and mobile banking.
Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham said the news had left her “disappointed”.
Also referencing the planned closure of the firm’s branch in Kinross, the SNP politician went on to stress: “I want to know what this will mean for the staff at both branches.
“Whilst banking facilities are available through the post office and the Bank of Scotland will now be joining RBS in making weekly mobile bank visits, this announcement means that – with the TSB in Kinross scheduled to close in May – we are witnessing the total departure of high street banking from both towns.
“That is very sad indeed and will be felt particularly by those who still use branch banking – the very people who find it hardest to access other forms of banking or travel to more distant branches.
“Local businesses used to being able to bank their daily takings will also be severely inconvenienced.
“I will be writing to the Bank of Scotland to urge it to change its mind and, at the very least, see whether arrangements can be made to leave the ATMs in place.
“There is absolutely no doubt that bank use by most people has been changing at an increasing rate but the disappearance of local availability, and, above all, personal contact, is a big loss and threatens to leave some of the most vulnerable customers behind.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Liz Smith said those in rural areas would potentially be hit the hardest.
She explained: “This is desperately worrying news, most especially for towns where there has only been one banking facility.
“It will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on local businesses and many residents who live in the more remote rural areas.”
Banking union Accord said the move is expected to see staff numbers cut by fewer than 80 across the UK-wide group as many employees are expected to be redeployed in other branches.
A Bank of Scotland spokesperson said: “We have made the difficult decision to close [ the] Auchterarder [ branch] on August 27 due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which means the branch is being used less often.
“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause – customers can continue to bank locally by visiting the new mobile branch, or the nearby post office, which is less than half a mile from the branch.
“The nearest alternative branches are in Cowdenbeath and Crieff, respectively.”
The financial firm’s representative continued: “Bank of Scotland is introducing a new mobile branch service which will visit both the Kinross and Auchterarder areas.
“The new branch will provide a personal, face-to-face service to the local communities it visits, giving customers access to everyday banking services such as making deposits, withdrawing cash and paying bills.
“The new service will be in place prior to the branch closing and our experienced colleagues will be on hand to help customers with online banking and general account and product enquiries.
“We continue to make a significant investment in our branches and are committed to maintaining the largest network in Scotland.”