Concern over bank closures

Aberdeenshire Council’s chief executive intends to write to bank bosses to raise concerns after a raft of branch closures were announced last month.

RBS has announced its intention to close its Banchory, Westhill and Stonehaven bases, which will mean account holders have to travel up to 20 miles to the bank’s office at Queen’s Cross, Aberdeen.

The announcement sparked a public outcry and a number of local politicians have called on the company to reconsider its proposal.

Yesterday, Westhill councillor Ron McKail put forward a motion calling on Jim Savege to write to the bank to highlight the number of customers who will be cut off from services if the closures go ahead.

Mr McKail’s motion stated: “Closure of these

“Discriminatory against those who do not use digital banking”

three branches will be discriminatory against those who do not use digital banking which is likely to include large numbers of elderly people, for businesses which depend on the bank facilities as well as account holders who will experience difficulties in travelling to other bank branches outwith their area.”

Earlier this week, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Stuart Donaldson accused RBS bosses of giving customers the “runaround” after failing to respond to his written concerns.

The bank has now offered Mr Donaldson the opportunity to meet them to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, Aberdeenshire Council’s co-leaders will write to the prime minister raising “grave” concerns over the controversial “rape clause”.