Two Dumfries and Galloway towns are facing Bank of Scotland branch closures.
The company this week anounced plans to pull out of Lockerbie and Kirkcudbright.
The move has been blasted as a “deliberate and cynical attempt” to get round proposed UK Government legislation to require banking facilities to remain in local communities.
Dumfries MP David Mundell and MSP Oliver Mundell told the Standard the decision further reinforced the view that the large banks had given up on the needs of their rural customers.
Mr Mundell snr said: “Access to cash and banking services remain vitally important to people in rural areas and whilst the big banks give this lip service their actions suggest otherwise.
“Of course less people are using branches, but closing them without an alternative and leaving empty properties on local High Streets isn’t the way to tackle the issue and smacks of an entirely cost driven approach rather than meeting customer need.”
Lloyds Banking Group, which owns the Bank of Scotland, is closing a total of 60 branches across the UK.
Vim Maru, group retail director, 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.”
Oliver Mundell responded: “This news will come as a hammer blow to Lockerbie and will have a very significant and negative impact on both bank customer and the community as a whole.
“In making their announcement, Lloyds claim that their branch network is an important way for them to support their customers, but those words are entirely cynical and will be ringing very hollow in the ears of Lockerbie residents today.”
South of Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is devastating news for communities and in particular the staff at branches facing the axe.
“This round of branch closures is the latest in the dismantling of the local bank network.
“I really do fear it is only a matter of time before only cities and the largest towns have any banks at all.”
“It has been noticable that the regular staff have gradually been moved on. It’s a shame but it is not a shock.”
