MP hails ‘day of action’ success in push to save Mallaig bank branch

LOCHABER MP Ian Blackford said that the ‘day of action’ against bank closures was a great success after thousands of signatures were collected on petitions.

The petitions are asking the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) board members and the Westminster government to reverse the recent decisions to close branches across the country, including the Mallaig branch which is set to shut in June.

Mr Blackford joined protesters, members of the community and Highland councillors in Mallaig on Saturday to hand out leaflets and invite passers-by to sign the petition.

Even several members of a visiting bus tour stopped to ask what the protest was about and were happy to add their names, underlining the important role the bank has to play in the areas burgeoning tourist industry.

Mr Blackford said: ‘I know that the RBS branch in Mallaig is very well used and was delighted at the support given to the campaign to halt its closure and that of others.’

He continued: ‘The response we have had in Mallaig makes it clear that this branch is not only well used by local people who have accounts in the bank, but also by the tens of thousands of holidaymakers who pass through the village every year, many looking for cash.

‘It is time that RBS realised just how important these branches are to the often remote areas in which they are situated, listen to the people and think again about the gravity of what they are proposing.’

The MP said that campaign so far has resulted in ‘a stay of execution’ until the end of 2018 for 10 of the branches under threat of closure.

He continued: ‘This review should be extended to the other 52 branches under threat. On Friday I was in the Pitlochry branch, also due to close, and it was pretty busy all the time I was there because a large number of people want to use the services which are offered by bank staff working in a real branch building, rather than online.

‘I would say to RBS and to the UK government – listen to what the people are saying and act on it by reversing these closure plans. It is vital to retain branches in which people can seek help and undertake transactions face to face.’