The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced it is to close its Renfrew branch.
Local politicians have slammed the move, with RBS claiming that, in general, there has been a 40% drop in the use of branches since 2014 and mobile transactions have increased by 73% over the same period.
MP Gavin Newlands said he was “very concerned” by the move, MSP Ross Greer said the move will cause “real inconvenience and disruption”, and Derek MacKay said he was “very disappointed”.
Nationwide, a total of 62 branches will be closed, with the loss of about 158 jobs.
The Renfrew,Canal Street branch is also the nearest branch for those in Erskine, Inchinnan and Bishopton.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “I’m very concerned to hear that RBS plan to close their branch in Renfrew town centre, despite a recent branch refurbishment. I know this branch very well and won’t allow the bank to tell me that it’s not busy enough to stay open. I have contacted RBS for more information on their claims on the level of visits to the bank.
“This closure will impact personal customers and businesses will impact personal customers and businesses, as well as being a real worry for many staff. Constituents can be assured that on being notified of this I immediately requested a meeting with the bank to discuss their intention.
“I stand fully behind the SNP group leader at Westminster Ian Blackford MP who has called for Treasury to take action given that the state is still the majority stakeholder in RBS. RBS has a duty to its customers, they were bailed out by the taxpayer so they really cannot repay our communities by withdrawing from them.
“I will pursue all avenues open to us, both inside and outside Parliament.”
Ross Greer, Green MSP for the West of Scotland, said: “It is impossible that a large bank like RBS can close so many branches at once without real inconvenience and disruption for many of their customers. A bank branch is a vital part of many people’s community. They should not have to fear no longer having an easily accessible banking facility.
“I understand that there’s a move towards more digital banking but there are many people for whom that is not an option and these people need their local branches the most. I have written to the Royal Bank of Scotland with these concerns and hope that, in conjunction with staff and their unions they can work to find alternative solutions which protect local jobs and banking services”
Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay, said: “I am very disappointed that the Royal Bank of Scotland has decided to close the Renfrew branch. This is a branch not only used by people from Renfrew, but as the only branch in the West side of Renfrewshire it is also used by people from Erskine, Inchinnan, Bishopton and other villages.
“I am seeking a meeting with RBS, when I will be pressing the management to ensure none of my constituents are left disadvantaged by this move and for further information on their plans for the building and ATM.
“It is essential that the bank ensures there is sufficient capacity elsewhere, to cater for all the needs of the customers that will be let down by this decision.”
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