Banking hub gets the goahead

A new ‘banking hub’ will fill the void that will be left when the Bank of Scotland branch in Troon’s Templehill closes later this year, it’s been confirmed.

The hub is a new initiative which is financially backed by the nine major banks in the UK.

And Troon has now been selected for a banking hub to be based somewhere in the town.

Troon MSP Siobhian Brown told how she had a “very positive meeting” last week with Bank Hub representatives, along with those from Bank of Scotland and some local businesses in the town.

She said: “Troon will get a banking hub which will allow face-to-face banking and customer service to continue in Troon. Work is now ongoing and a public consultation is the next step to engage with the local community on what they want from the banking hub.”

The Post reported in March how the last remaining bank in Troon was 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, who blamed the closures on changing customer habits and the rise in internet banking.

However, news that a bank hub is coming to Troon will be welcomed by those who prefer face-to-face transactions.

And Ms Brown admitted that she is keen to see a bank hub come to Prestwick too.

She added: “With closures in recent years, especially in Prestwick, it would be good to see this initiative rolled out elsewhere in the future and I am looking into how Prestwick could also be considered.”