An ‘ambiguous’ response from the Bank of Scotland has led to fears that Helensburgh could lose another bank.
The banking chain has announced that its Kilcreggan branch will close on August 15 next year, while just across the Clyde the Dunoon branch closed its doors for the last time today.
Asked this week if it as true that the Colquhoun Square branch would also close, a Bank of Scotland spokesperson did not issue a denial.
Instead they said: “We have not made an announcement to close the Bank of Scotland Helensburgh branch.
“Whenever we do make the decision to close a branch, our colleagues, customers and the local community will be the first to know.”
Rosneath Peninsula customers heard about the Kilcreggan closure after MSP Jackie Baillie issued a press release calling for consultation.
Helensburgh has already lost branches of TSB and Santander in recent years, and Cllr Fiona Howard called for ‘a straight answer’.
She added: “I have heard the suggestion that Helensburgh Bank of Scotland is also scheduled for closure, and my suspicious mind finds the bank’s response way too ambiguous.
“I think further questions need to be asked and a straight answer demanded.
“This bank has shown scant care for its customers throughout Argyll and Bute and must be taken to task by those who have the power to insist on answers.”
The BoS spokesperson said: “As many customers now choose to bank online or through their mobile app, visits to Kilcreggan branch have fallen over recent years.
“The local post office offers everyday banking, with cash also available at close by free-to-use ATMs, alongside other ways to bank such as online, phone and mobile banking services.”
They added that in the run-up to the branch closure, branch staff wouldl be on hand to offer support and guidance on the ways customers could continue banking.
After the branch closure, we will have a community banker would visit the area, and ‘continue to offer face to face targeted support for as long as the community needs it’.
They added: “We will discuss with local communities which locations would be appropriate for our community banker to set up in, and on which days.”
Great branch with very helpful staff!. Shame it has to close. I suppose I’ll have o go back to RBS