Readers respond to news of closure

Advertiser readers shared their opinions on our Facebook page on news of the closure – noting that when RBS shuts the doors of the Airdrie branch in May, it will be the town’s third bank closure in two-and-a-half years.

Jacqueline Henderson said she was“really disappointed with the decision”and said:“I moved here when Airdrie Barclays closed, as did many, including when Airdrie Savings Bank closed.

“The branch is always queued out of the door. I do mobile banking; [but with] three banks now closed, it’s the elderly that I worry for.”

New customer John Logan had joined RBS just this year, saying:“I changed to this bank from Airdrie Savings Bank, now this branch is closing – I think these banks should be putting customers first before profits and bonuses.”

Kirk Elwood said:“The irony is that taxpayers are major shareholders,”and Elizabeth Simpson added:“The government bailed them out with taxpayers’ money – thanks for nothing!”

Several readers queried RBS’ statistics on usage of the local branch, with Veronica McLeod saying:“Only 129 customers per week? I must be in the wrong bank; I sometimes have 10 to 15 in front of me.”

Ian Smith said:“‘Transactions are down’because they’ve reduced the service they provide; there’s no way only 129 customers are using it weekly, because if that’s the case it must be at the same time as me. Time to find a new bank.”

Kaye Brogan agreed:“No way – it’s easily the busiest RBS I’ve been in, probably because the staff are so friendly. It’s so sad.”

Many comments sympathised with the impacted workers at the Airdrie branch.

Laura Myles posted:“Very sad for the staff. This is where I started my first job; good luck to all affected by this decision.”

Heather Gibb said:“Very sad for the staff affected, but surely a sign of the times – most people bank online.”