SNP trio talk to bank over planned closure

Politicians have told Clydesdale Bank they are “disappointed” with the decision to close their Cambuslang branch.

Margaret Ferrier MP, Clare Haughey MSP and Councillor Clare McColl have met with Allison Hair, head of Clydesdale’s customer banking centre in Scotland, and Jamie Maxton, the bank’s government relations manager.

The Main Street premises is set to shut its doors on June 8 as one of the 40 outlets in Scotland to close in a cost-cutting move.

In a joint statement after the meeting, the SNP trio said: “We are disappointed that the bank’s decision appears to be final, despite the many concerns that we have raised. We are committed, however, to working constructively over the coming weeks and months to ensure that the impact on customers and the local area is minimised wherever possible.

“Make no mistake though – this will be another hammer blow to the Main Street, with local shop owners already reporting lower footfall following the closure of RBS.

“Local people are currently showing their strength of feeling by signing a petition that we have organised, which we still intend to present to the bank.

“It is important to us that people who do not use online banking are not left behind.

“The bank has advised that some banking services will be available at the local Post Office, and we have secured a commitment that they will meet with them to raise our concerns over issues such as capacity and privacy.

“We are now also keen to secure the future of the Rutherglen branch, and will continue to push the bank to ensure that it will be included in branch network investment plans.”