Consultation periods viewed with scepticism

When news broke that the Burnside branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland was to close it sparked outrage.

And yet this week the Reformer can reveal just two complaints were made to the bank afterwards.

I do not believe this is down to apathy at the closure. It is far more likely that people have lost faith in institutions that were once the bedrock of communities.

Conultation periods are increasingly viewed with scepticism. There is a sense of inevitability when major decisions like this are made.

Of course RBS must adapt to an everchanging world but perhaps the bosses would do well to listen more to the very same people who bailed them out during the financial crisis in 2008.

You can read our update on the closure on page four.

Ironically, this news comes as South Lanarkshire Council takes steps to ensure the views of local communities are heard with the potential creation of a petitions committee.

Below you can read what some of our readers thought, but it seems, on the surface at least, this could help bridge the gap between those who make the decisions and those affected by them.

Why not get in touch to share your thoughts?

Elsewhere in the paper, we headed to Fernhill to see the groups and organisations available to people in the scheme and beyond.

A special event was held in the community centre and you can see what was happening on page 14.

Finally, the Queen’s Baton Relay is returning to Rutherglen next month (page three). The Main Street was jampacked when the baton came three years ago so lets get out and make its trip through Cuningar Loop a real highlight as it journeys across the globe.