By Lucy Ashton
Dumbarton constituency MSP Dame Jackie Baillie has welcomed the announcement by RBS to delay the closure of its Helensburgh branch until they implement new arrangements for customers to get access to cash.
And she has requested RBS to reconsider their plan to shut down their local service altogether given that so many elderly people in the area have no access to on-line banking.
The banking giant has been forced into a temporary u-turn on plans to axe the Colquhoun Square branch on September 25th.
This is mainly because of concerns over new Financial Conduct Authority rules that banks must provide access to cash in communities where they have withdrawn their branches.
The new regulations, which come into operation on September 18, have led to RBS and others to change their plans, even if only temporarily.
Over-the-counter banking services in Helensburgh and other towns and villages in the Dumbarton constituency have diminished over the years.
Spanish banking leader Santander closed its Sinclair Street branch in 2019 and Bank of Scotland bosses followed on with the planned closure of the Kilcreggan bank.
Bank of Scotland have also unveiled their intention to reduce the opening hours of their branch in Helensburgh’s Colquhoun Square, leaving the town without a permanent bank.
RBS’s closest branch in Dumbarton only opens during restricted hours on weekdays only. The Helensburgh branch of the Clydesdale Bank has also closed its doors.
The FCA has tasked banks and building societies with a requirement to make access to money available to customers and inquire into the plans they have to change to their services.
The Helensburgh branch will continue to operate during routine opening hours.
MSP Jackie Baillie, pictured right, said: “I am delighted that Royal Bank of Scotland will continue to provide services at their Helensburgh branch meantime.
“It is essential that communities are served by their banking institutions. They are customer-based services, which seems to be forgotten all too quickly.
“I have had talks with RBS bosses, alongside Cllr Fiona Howard and the local community, and have urged them to reconsider the decision to close the Colquhoun Square branch.
“I believe there is a need to maintain these services in the area, particularly given the high proportion of elderly residents.”