Lanarkshire politicians have met with Bank of Scotland bosses to urge them not to close their branch in Carluke.
The decision to close the Lanarkshire premises was made last week. And it means the last remaining bank in the town will shut on June 27.
Furious Clydesdale representatives slammed the move, calling it a blow to the community, with residents now facing further travel to access banking services.
But BoS have now been asked to reconsider the Carluke closure as Lanark and Hamilton East MP, Angela Crawley, Clydesdale MSP Màiri McAllan and local councillor David Shearer met with them, conveying concerns raised by constituents.
Ms McAllan told Lanarkshire Live : “That no consultation by BoS was carried out prior to this decision with the community – nor any alternatives to closure considered – is very disappointing.
“As local representatives for the area, we strongly presented the case for retaining the branch in the town, and implored Bank of Scotland to reconsider a mobile or pop-up facility if this can help protect at least some service.
“We also await the detail of what BoS say has been their assessment that led to this decision.
“For Clydesdale’s largest town, it is simply not good enough to be left without any bank.
"As the 700 signatures to our petition demonstrated, the branch is a much-valued service within Carluke.
"Myself and my colleagues will continue to press the case to BoS for a better outcome.”
In recent years the branch has acted as a satellite for customers in rural communities across Clydesdale.
Concerns for vulnerable customers who may not be able to travel to Lanark or Wishaw were raised at the meeting.
Bosses were also criticised for the lack of consultation prior to the announcement and the use of customer data from during the COVID-19 pandemic to justify the decision.
Parent company Lloyds Banking Group said that customers now using online banking has reached an all time high.
But local businesses in Carluke may also be at risk if they are no longer able to bank in the town.
In the days since the decision, the feeling in Carluke has been captured by a petition started by Clydesdale MSP Màiri McAllan which has already received 700 signatures.
The bank was also asked to consider alternatives to closing the branch such as moving premises or introducing a mobile branch.
Ms Crawley told us : “I would again urge BoS to reconsider their decision to close its Carluke branch as it is simply not good enough to have a town the size of Carluke left without a bank.
“Failing that, BoS must consider alternatives to closure including the provision of a mobile branch to ensure there are still adequate banking services provided in the town.
“I am grateful to BoS for agreeing to meet with us today and I will continue to work to find a resolution that works for the people of Carluke.”
Councillor Shearer added: “I would ask the BoS to consult with the community and find a solution that serves the town and not just a hard business decision which meets the banks need.”
You can view and sign the petition launched by Ms McAllan here.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
