Bank closures branded ‘an absolute disgrace’
Politicians hit out as Renfrew and Bridge of Weir branches axed
Renfrew will be left with no banks as the Bank of Scotland confirms it will close the last branch in the town this summer.
The move has been branded as “an absolute disgrace” for an area with a population of around 25,000 people.
Bridge of Weir will also lose its last physical building, leaving residents there with nowhere local to manage their money when the sites close this July.
Bank of Scotland announced on Wednesday that it would be closing the High Street and Main Street branches in the town and village respectively.
The Renfrew branch will close on July 4 and Bridge of Weir’s on July 1.
The bank told the Express that the number of people using the branches was falling, arguing that 79 per cent of customers at those branches use other banking methods, such as mobile, internet or phone banking, as well as other branches.
A Bank of Scotland spokesperson said: “As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to our Bridge of Weir and Renfrew branches have fallen over recent years.
“When the branches close in July, customers can continue to manage their money online, by calling us, in person at the nearby branches, or the local post offices.”
Renfrew councillor Jamie McGuire was incandescent after hearing the news. He told the Express: “I think it’s an absolute disgrace.
“I’ll be writing to the bank. It’s the last bank in the town and an absolute essential service to people here.
“It’s a lifeline for the community and the fact that they’re taking it out is awful. They need to U-turn on this.
“They’re expecting people to go to Paisley, which isn’t realistic.
“And especially for elderly residents.
“To have no bank in a town the size of Renfrew is farcical.”
Bridge of Weir councillor James MacLaren: “It’s a sad loss for the village, the last bank in the Bridge of Weir. My family use the bank and I know organisations that use the bank.
“Not everybody can go to a cash machine and withdraw money or deposit cheques, it’s going to be a problem for a lot of people.”
MSP for the area, Natalie Don, says she will be meeting with the
Bank of Scotland “immediately” in an effort to halt the closures.
The SNP politician said: “This is extremely disappointing news for both Bridge of Weir and Renfrew, with little notice given from the Bank of Scotland that they are closing their branches in both communities in July 2024.
“These closures will have an impact on residents and businesses who rely on in-person banking and will inevitably hit our elderly and vulnerable the hardest, who may not use, or have access to online services or are unable to travel to access a bank.
“I will be meeting with the Bank of Scotland immediately to discuss this decision.
“I will be urging them to reconsider this decision and, at the very least, seeking assurances on any measures they plan to put in place to support their customers.”
It is a lifeline for the community and the fact that they are taking it out is awful