MSP EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT AT PROPOSED CLOSURE OF RBS (LEVEN BRANCH)

Published date : 24 Mar 2017

Jenny Gilruth MSP for Mid Fife & Glenrothes has today written to senior management at the Royal Bank of Scotland in light of the disappointing news that the Leven branch of RBS is due to close in October 2017.

The MSP stated “this is a real blow to the community of Leven, which is also losing its Clydesdale Bank branch. The nearest alternative bank is in Glenrothes, which is far from convenient, particularly for vulnerable or elderly people, with cost implications for customers who have to travel to their nearest branch”

Ms Gilruth continued “Despite RBS giving an assurance that they have struck a deal with the Post Office in Leven, it is far from ideal, whilst data has been provided for the number of customers using online and telephone banking and a drop in numbers using the branches it is quite clear that many people, particularly the elderly, still value personal contact with RBS personnel – who they trust to provide a locally accessible banking service. I would have thought RBS held similar values, so I am most disappointed to hear the news. This will be another devastating blow to the high street of Leven”

The MSP also has concerns about the impact on job losses locally and is seeking assurances from RBS that all staff will be re-deployed and an undertaking that no member of staff will be subject to compulsory redundancy.

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