Ahead of a series of public meetings in the Borders about RBS branch closures, local MP John Lamont has said he believes the bank will be forced start backtracking on their plans.
RBS are planning to close 62 branches in Scotland, including 6 in the Scottish Borders. The branches in Melrose, Duns, Eyemouth, Hawick, Jedburgh and Selkirk are set to shut later on this year.
However, bank bosses have been dragged in front of the Scottish Affairs Committee and across Scotland the news has been met with strong opposition from communities and politicians from all political parties.
Last week, John met with John Glenn MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister to make it clear how damaging the closures were in the Borders. He has also called on the Prime Minister to be firmer with her condemnation of the plans.
Now John is predicting that the bank will have to rethink their proposals in a bid to limit the damage they are having on the RBS brand.
John Lamont MP said: “It is becoming increasingly clear to RBS that communities like those in the Borders are not going to take this news lying down. Many have already voted with their feet and moved bank and the political pressure coming from all parties in Westminster is starting to take its toll.
“I have been overwhelmed by the number of emails and letters from constituents expressing concerns about losing their local bank. The greatest anxiety is coming from those who live in Melrose where they will be losing their last bank.
“Every one of these closures will cause problems for local businesses and vulnerable customers and I remain strongly opposed to them. RBS closed three branches just a few years ago and shouldn’t be shutting any more branches.
“The bank will hopefully show itself capable of listening to communities and rethink its plans.
“If they do announce some concessions, this will be a good start to the campaign against the RBS branch closures and will be a credit to the clear message coming from communities in the Borders.”
The public meetings will take place on Friday 9th February at the following times:
• Duns, Volunteer Hall, 12:30pm
• Hawick, Town Hall, 4pm
• Melrose, Corn Exchange, 6pm