Battle begins

1300 sign petition to protest at RBS plan to shut branch

More than 1300 people have signed an online petition to save the Bannockburn branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland from closure.

The bank announced last week that the Quakerfield RBS was to close on May 15 next year – leaving the town without a recognised, mainstream bank.

The branch is one of 62 set to close across the country – with bank bosses saying that more and more people are moving to online banking.

However dozens of Bannockburn residents showed their opposition to the plans through an arranged demonstration outside the branch on Monday afternoon.

A physical petition set up by those in attendance attracted around 700 signatures while, as of yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, the online petition had gathered 1336 supporters.

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford has written a letter to RBS expressing his disappointment and concern at the proposed closure – asking that they reconsider their decision. He is hoping to meet with officials from the bank to discuss the issue.

He said: “I am deeply concerned over the proposed closure of the RBS branch in Bannockburn; its services are crucial to the community which is made up of a significant number of older and vulnerable constituents. This is one bank closure that should not proceed.

“People should remember that RBS is owned by the tax payer and that banking powers lie entirely in the hands Tory Government, so the question is are the UK Government simply going to sit back and allow closures like this to proceed.

“I will be writing to RBS to outline my considerable concerns and will be seeking a meeting with relevant officials to discuss these further.”

Bannockburn councillors Alasdair MacPherson, Margaret Brisley and