SWITCH BY RBS ‘A SLAP IN FACE’
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Bank giant RBS are looking to move into a new premises in Stirling – just weeks after controversially announcing they are to close three branches in the area.
A planning application has been submitted by agents JTC Fund Solutions (Jersey) Limited and SG Kleinwort Hambros Trust Company Limited to turn two units at the Thistles Centre into a new retail bank.
The Observer understands that, if granted, this would result in the moving of operations from the current Pitt Terrace bank to the new building.
The premises outlined, units 22 and 23, are located at an entrance to the shopping centre in Murray Place – opposite the Pizza Express restaurant and Sainsbury’s store.
One of the units has been empty for two years but was previously occupied by Costa Coffee while the other is currently used by Savers Health and Beauty.
Savers occupy one of the units on a short-term lease which is ending soon while there has been no viable interest in the other premises in the last two years.
The proposed development will see the units combined to form a retail bank providing “regular financial services to members of the public”, as stated in the application.
A total of ten staff can be employed in the bank, which will operate from Monday to Saturday on opening hours which coincide with the Thistles Centre.
The applicants state that the units
“occupy an important location at the entrance to the shopping centre”and will help benefit the surrounding retail area.
News of RBS potentially moving into the new premises comes just over a month after they announced branches in Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and Bannockburn would be shutting up shop.
A petition launched to save the Bannockburn branch attracted more than 2000 signatures, while Stirling’s MP Stephen Kerr and MSP Bruce Crawford have both spoken out against the plans.
Mr Kerr said of their plans to move into a new unit:“This is a real slap in the face for everyone in Bannockburn, Dunblane and Bridge of Allan. What a high-handed approach from RBS. They are happy to walk away from communities when it suits them and immediately open up elsewhere.
“There are still significant numbers of people using the branches they are closing but they would rather centralise and make people go to them. I suspect many won’t and I don’t blame them.”
SNP MSP Mr Crawford added:“Any plans to create new local jobs is welcome.
“However, having met with RBS representatives to discuss the impact of the closure of the Bannockburn branch, it was clear that one of the major options for local people in terms of access to banking services was using the Pitt Terrace branch.
“I have been in touch with RBS since this application was submitted to find out more about what this means for services being offered in Stirling city centre.
“In the meantime, my SNP colleagues in Westminster continue to push the Tory Ministers to intervene on the large number of RBS branch closures across Scotland.
“The UK Government owns 73 per cent of RBS, it is simply not good enough for them to sit back and do nothing.”
An RBS spokesperson said:“Royal Bank of Scotland is exploring potential options to update and enhance its branch presence in the Stirling area and will be communicating further details in due course.”
The Observer reported last week that the bank giant was pressing ahead with the closure plans by seeking permission to remove ATMs in affected areas – despite considerable opposition.
The Bannockburn branch at Quakerfield is set to shut on May 15, while the Bridge of Allan bank, on Henderson Street, is due to close on June 11 and the Dunblane branch on High Street will shut its doors on May 20.
RBS say the reasons for these closures is due to fewer and fewer people visiting their branches and more people choosing to do their banking online.
They say they are committed to ensuring communities are able to continue accessing banking services.
Bank of Scotland branches in Alva, Denny, Bridge of Allan and Stirling are also set to close later this year.