For immediate release:

POLITICIANS SLAM BURNSIDE BANK OF SCOTLAND PROPOSED CLOSURE

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey and Rutherglen South Councillor Carol Nugent have requested an urgent meeting with the Bank of Scotland after it announced its intention to close its Burnside branch.

Ms Haughey was contacted by a Bank of Scotland representative on the 14th November who advised the bank is set to close on the 18th February 2019.

Within the correspondence, the bank has advised customer accounts will be aligned to its Rutherglen branch.

This news comes after the Royal Bank of Scotland closed its Burnside branch in October last year.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“This is absolutely terrible news for customers, local businesses and the wider community who rely on the Bank of Scotland’s essential services. The threat of closure will come as a shock to many – but I am determined to fight to keep this branch open.

“Within the space of 18 months, the two Burnside banks will have left the area. This is a completely unacceptable situation and myself and Cllr Carol Nugent have asked to meet the bank as a matter of urgency, and we will be putting forward a very strong case for it to remain open.”

Cllr Carol Nugent added:

“It is incredibly disappointing news, and the fact there was no prior consultation with the community or elected representatives is very frustrating.

“The number of banks which have closed on our high streets over the last few years has been scandalous, and it will be devastating for Burnside and nearby areas if the closure goes ahead.

““It is time for the bank to go back to the drawing board and think again about their proposals.”

ENDS

Date published: 14th November 2018