RBS’s changed plans have been described as “nowhere near good enough” by local MP and Vice Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, John Lamont. The bank has just published revised proposals following pressure from local communities and politicians.
The news will mean that where RBS is the last bank in town, the branch will remain open for another year and may be kept open permanently if transactions increase. The bank is also proposing that ATMs will be retained or relocated if there are no other free-to-use ATMs within 1km of the closing branch.
John Lamont MP now believes that the time has come for RBS Chief Executive, Ross McEwan to be called before the Scottish Affairs Committee to explain the bank’s decision.
In December last year, the bank announced that branches in Melrose, Duns, Eyemouth, Hawick, Jedburgh and Selkirk were to be shut. In response John Lamont MP, will be hosting a set of public meetings, which will take place this Friday (9th February).
Commenting, John Lamont MP said: “These revised plans from RBS are simply nowhere near good enough. They would still mean 5 branches in the Borders closing their doors, with only Melrose given a temporary stay of execution.
“The bank has shown itself to be completely out of touch with the needs of customers, particularly in rural areas like the Borders.
“The acknowledgement of the issues that local post offices will face and the need to keep ATMs is helpful. But the only positive part of this news is that it shows that RBS is capable of changing its mind after initially refusing to budge.
“I am clear that the campaign to save our local branches must continue. This announcement is just an attempt by the bank to avoid any further scrutiny. The time has now come for Ross McEwan to come to the Scottish Affairs Committee to explain the bank’s decision.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
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