The impending closure of the last bank in Shotts has sparked fury amongst the town’s politicians.
Last week, Lloyds confirmed that the Bank of Scotland will be closing in August meaning residents will have to go to Motherwell or Wishaw for face-to-face banking.
Shotts councillor Martin McCulloch told Lanarkshire Live : “It was we, the taxpayers, who bailed out the bankers in 2008 to the tune of £500bn and this is the gratitude shown from Lloyds whose profits continue to rise year on year into billions.
“Shotts is a small town with ambition for social and economic growth and our population is growing steadily.
“The communities and local businesses within the Fortissat ward need and value this vital service which is our last remaining bank.”
Fellow Labour councillor Kenneth Stevenson added: “The area director for Bank of Scotland is out of touch with reality as, in a letter to customers, he has pointed them to the nearest cash machine which has been out of action for months and actually boarded up.
“Lloyds not only don’t care for its loyal customer and business users here in Shotts, it has shown total contempt for both them and our environment.”
The four Fortissat councillors have also written to the public affairs manager at Lloyds Banking Group and requested this decision is halted.
Shotts’ MSP and MP have also expressed their anger at the recently announced decision.
Following a meeting with bank personnel, Neil Gray MSP and Anum Qaisar MP have written to the group’s chief executive asking for a rethink of the plans.
Mr Gray told us : “While there may be a perceived business case to close the bank, I find it morally unjust to take away the only banking facilities from a town.
“To hear another banking group use pandemic footfall drops as the basis of their argument astounds me.
“The town centre needs investment and without a bank branch for businesses to utilise, that investment will not come.”
Ms Qaisar agreed, saying: “This closure will have a huge impact on the community of Shotts. Face-to-face banking is a vital lifeline for vulnerable residents, charities and small businesses.
“Just two weeks ago I led a debate in the House of Commons chamber calling on the UK Government to introduce an independent body which could conduct an impact assessment on the community, and the economic impacts of closures.
“The banking industry must also play its part and uphold its responsibilities to ensure that communities can have access to cash withdrawals and deposit services, free at the point of use.”
However, one ex councillor turned developer believes the closing of the branch was inevitable.
Tommy Cochrane, who was a councillor for eight years, said: “In the past few years Shotts has lost Airdrie Savings Bank, RBS and now the Bank of Scotland.
“The facts are banks are not moving their branches out of larger settlements.
“If people don’t want anymore houses in Shotts then they need to accept that services like this will be taken away.”
In Scotland, 19 Bank of Scotland branches will be closing in total, starting as early as July 2022 including Shotts and Carluke.
Vim Maru from Lloyds Banking Group said: “Just like many other high street businesses, fewer customers are choosing to visit our branches.
“Our branch network is an important way for us to support our customers, but we need to adapt to the significant growth in customers choosing to do most of their everyday banking online.”
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