Follow us ...

www.facebook. com/stirling observer/

Twitter: @Stirobserver

The fate of in-person banking services in Dunblane rose to the surface once again after Bank of Scotland announced plans to pull out of the town later this year.

Lloyds Banking Group made the announcement last month that it was closing 19 Bank of Scotland sites across Scotland, blaming the increasing numbers making use of online banking as the reason for the closing of physical branches.

The Dunblane bank is one of those set for the chop and will close its doors on July 7 - following the departure of TSB and RBS from the town in recent years.

The news was met with frustration and anger from local community groups and politicians, who claim both businesses and residents in Dunblane will be hit hard by the bank’s move out of the town.

Here’s a flavour of what our readers had to say on the story via the Observer Facebook page.

Dawn Gray wrote:“the writing was on the wall when they decided to only open between the hours of 10am and 4pm, forcing working people to do online banking. Unfortunately I think it has been their strategy (HQ) all along.”

Mandie Mann added:“i did a telephone survey regarding banks, building societies and pensions on Tuesday, rated the local bank and services very highly.

“Then on Wednesday I find out its closing. Just one thing to say, give me back the survey, so I can redo.”

Margaret Margaret said:“it’s not easy for people to go to the one in Stirling as there are not a lot of parking spaces and people don’t like going into the centre.”

Linda Reid said:“you can do deposits via your post office but they are closing branches everywhere, a lot of sense that.”

However, some of the respondents offered some support for the move and pointed out the lack of demand for in-person banking services.

Vicki Hambly wrote:“it’s just not financially sensible, from the banks’ point of view, to keep the buildings going.”

Mary Greasley added:“there are no banks in Dollar, Tillicoultry, Alva, or Menstrie. We just go to Stirling.”

Anne Catherine Barnett said:“and when were most of the complainers last in the bank?”