Have say in enquiry into bank closures
An inquiry into bank branch closures is being carried out in the Scottish Parliament with West Lothian people being urged to get involved.
The move follows the announcement late last year that two banks in Linlithgow are due to shut.
A further recent wave of bank branch closures was seen across West Lothian in December, including in Linlithgow where the announcement of the closure of the RBS branch was quickly followed by the announcement of the closure of the Santander branch.
It means both banks will have just two branches each across the entire West Lothian region.
Gordon Lindhurst, Conservative MSP for Lothian and convener of the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work committee in the Scottish Parliament, launched the inquiry on behalf of the committee last week.
Mr Lindhurst said: “It is simply staggering that more than one third of bank branches in Scotland have closed since 2010.
“The pace at which high streets are losing branches is now relentless.
“It is therefore timely that the committee looks at the impact this is having on people and businesses, such as how closures will affect cash floats for local companies; how vulnerable people will cope without a nearby ATM; or problems for the local high street.
“I would encourage as many people to get involved through completing our online survey - http://bit.ly/bank closures.
“In doing so, the committee can explore what the alternatives are to support businesses and communities in West Lothian and beyond, enabling them to thrive for the benefit of all.”