Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Bruce Crawford have written to the Managing director of Bank of Scotland following the decision to close the local branch in Balfron and in Killin.

Mr Smith and Mr Crawford have written in support of a letter from Balfron Community Council, calling on the back to engage in dialogue with locals about the shape of a replacement service once the branch closes.

Bank of Scotland have suggested that the Post Office can play a bigger role in financial services and are looking at temporary mobile banking vehicles visiting the village as a replacement.

Bruce Crawford said:

‘Bank of Scotland tell us that they will engage with the local community to configure the right sort of replacement for the current level of service that people receive in Killin and Balfron. This dialogue must take place. There are a range of options that must be on the table and up for discussion before any decision is made. This is not a lot to ask, but the potential impact on these communities could be significant if Bank of Scotland do not get this right.‘

Alyn Smith said:

‘All the local community are asking for a bit of respect from a bank that is ultimately closing their local branch. Bruce and I are trying to encourage the bank to engage in a broader range of options beyond a mobile banking unit replacement, and these considerations must be based on what the community are saying that they need.‘

‘People feel let down by banks that shut their doors on their communities, and will become more likely to take their business elsewhere.‘

Notes:

Letter from Bruce Crawford and Alyn Smith to Bank of Scotland

Letter from Balfron CC to Bank of Scotland