Last bank standing in town set to shut
The last remaining bank in Troon is to be axed.
The Bank of Scotland in the town’s Templehill will close its doors for the final time on September 21.
Troon is one of 19 Scottish branches to be axed by the Lloyds Banking Group.
South Scotland Labour list MSP Colin Smyth fumed: “This is devastating news for communities and, in particular, the staff at branches facing the axe.
“My thoughts are with them and their families and I will be urging the bank to do all they can to assist their workers find alternative employment, which is the very least they can do.”
In recent years the Ayrshire town boasted a number of banks.
Troon Councillor Craig Mackay said: “I am working with Siobhian Brown MSP on the possibility of having a shared ‘banking hub’ in Troon.
“I expect this would fall well short of having a full range of proper banks in the town, but it would certainly be a big help to those who need face to face assistance.”
And fellow Troon Councillor Philip Saxton wants support in place to help customers through the transition, adding: “Banking through the apps is not for everyone and I hope assistance can be given, prior to closing, to the customers on the use of online banking, which would be freely given to those who normally bank at the branch to make the transition easier.”
Sixty branches including Halifax, Lloyds Bank and the Bank of Scotland will close around the UK.
Vim Maru, group retail director, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Just like many other high street businesses, fewer customers are choosing to visit our branches.
“Our branch network is an important way for us to support our customers, but we need to adapt to the significant growth in customers choosing to do most of their everyday banking online.”
Caren Evans, national officer for the union Unite, condemned the closures and said: “Lloyds Banking Group must not be allowed to abandon 60 more local communities where bank branches play an essential role.”