The figures used by RBS to justify branch closures across the Borders have been seriously called into question.
The bank have repeatedly said that branch use had fallen by 40%, despite an impression in the Borders that most branches earmarked for closure are well used.
Now, figures compiled by a Sunday Mail investigation suggest the bank has underestimated visitor numbers at the Melrose branch by nearly 20 times.
While RBS say that the Melrose branch had an average of 53 customers a week, when reporters at the Sunday Mail paid a visit, Melrose was used by 151 customers in just one day. If these numbers stayed consistent for a week, if would mean the branch could expect to see over 1,000 customers.
Local MP John Lamont has said this news is more evidence that RBS need to think again.
John Lamont MP said: “These figures will come as no surprise to Borderers who use our RBS branches. We all know that despite what the bank says, they are well used and important to local communities.
“The bank’s whole decision making process has been murky to say the least and reports like this cast even more doubt on the decision to close so many branches in the Borders.
“If Melrose is really seeing over 1,000 customers a week, the case for closing the branch is even weaker. If it is the case that RBS have been intentionally altering the figures, this will be viewed very badly by customers in the Borders.”