For immediate release:

RUTHERGLEN POLITICIANS MEET BANK OF SCOTLAND

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey and Rutherglen South Councillor Carol Nugent have been advised that the Bank of Scotland will definitely be closing their Burnside branch early next year.

The two politicians met with representatives of the bank on Monday (10 December) to discuss the proposed closure of the store in Burnside, however both were left frustrated with the talks.

The Bank of Scotland confirmed to Clare Haughey and Cllr Nugent that the closure will go ahead regardless of local concerns, that the external ATM will be removed, and that the staff will be relocated to the Rutherglen Main Street branch.

During the discussions, the bank’s representatives were told how local businesses were disappointed that they had still hadn’t been contacted by the bank about the closure, and they therefore agreed to do so, to properly hear business concerns.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said the decision was ‘deeply disappointing’, and Cllr Nugent said that it is ‘devastating for the Burnside community’.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said:

“The decision by the Bank of Scotland to close its Burnside branch is deeply disappointing for my constituents. Unfortunately, it was very clear through our discussions that there is no prospect of the decision being reversed whatsoever. Quite frankly the bank does not want to listen to either mine or my constituents concerns.

“Whilst there will be no redundancies, with staff being relocated to the Rutherglen Main Street branch, it was frustrating that the bank couldn’t even guarantee the long-term future of that branch either. They did try to reassure us that, in addition to transferring the Burnside staff, they are also investing heavily in the Main Street branch but understandably we are still concerned about the future of local bank services.

“The rate of bank closures over the last few years has been disgraceful, and our local communities deserve better.”

Cllr Carol Nugent added:

“Sadly, the Bank of Scotland would not reconsider their plans to close the Burnside branch which is devastating for the Burnside community. I’ve spoken with constituents and local business owners over the last few weeks, and they are worried about the negative effect this will have on them.

“Many of the businesses I have spoken with haven’t even heard from the bank which is very disappointing, and understandably some will now be taking their custom elsewhere.

“The Bank of Scotland has let down my constituents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, and their decision will be damaging to the local economy.”

ENDS

Date published: 10th December 2018