Clare Haughey MSP, Margaret Ferrier MP, and Councillor Clare McColl, arranged a meeting with senior Clydesdale Bank officials on Friday. They met with Allison Hair, Head of Clydesdale’s Customer Banking Centres in Scotland, and Jamie Maxton, the bank’s Government Relations Manager, following the recent announcement that the branch is to close on 8th June.

The bank say that 40 outlets in Scotland will close in a cost-cutting move which they say will allow investment in the remaining branch network and its digital platforms.

After the meeting, we released the following statement expressing our disappointment that the bank intends to proceed with the closure,

“We are disappointed that the bank’s decision appears to be final, despite the many concerns that we have raised. We are committed, however, to working constructively over the coming weeks and months to ensure that the impact on customers and the local area is minimised wherever possible.

“Make no mistake though – this will be another hammer blow to Cambuslang Main Street, with local shop owners already reporting lower footfall following the closure of RBS. Local people are currently showing their strength of feeling by signing a petition that we have organised, which we still intend to present to the bank.

“It is important to us that people who do not use online banking are not left behind. The bank has advised that some banking services will be available at the local Post Office, and we have secured a commitment that they will meet with them to raise our concerns over issues such as capacity and privacy.

“We are now also keen to secure the future of the Rutherglen branch, and will continue to push the bank to ensure that it will be included in branch network investment plans.”

You can sign a copy of the petition at Clare’s office at 85 Main Street Rutherglen.