Council leader demands bank consults on branch closures

TSB are to close 73 branches across Scotland..

TSB is planning on closing the capital branches on St John’s Road in Corstorphine, Gorgie Road in Gorgie, and Boswall Parkway in Pilton, as part of plans to close a total of 73 branches across Scotland next year.

Last month, the council unanimously approved a motion regretting the closures, and now, council leader Adam McVey has written to bank chiefs asking them to reconsider.

Councillor McVey, who represents Leith for the SNP, writes: “It is with great sadness that I write on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council to ask you to reconsider the closures of your branches in Gorgie, Pilton and Corstorphine.

Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey has written to TSB amid concern about the effect of the closures.

“There was all party support at our council meeting on October 15 as we are receiving a number of letters from concerned loyal customers of TSB and campaigners, who feel badly let down.

“What is even more concerning is the lack of prior consultation with local people.

“The communities of Corstorphine, Pilton and Gorgie are close knit and many residents do not travel outside the area.

“A large portion of residents are elderly, and many do not have the facility for online banking.

“One letter received from you by one of your disabled customers said that their replacement branch was only a 20-minute walk away.

“Pilton to Hanover Street is 3.2 miles, uphill, so this is clearly impossible and with no direct bus route to the Hanover Street Branch which clearly puts major barriers in the way for disabled and elderly customers.”

The letter also points out that TSB’s own website, which says that 67% of its customers are using mobile or online banking, leaving 33% of its customers relying on physical branches.

It also draws attention to a communication from TSB, sent out ahead of the branch closures, which states: “As part of our branch review we talk with key members of our local community to understand any impact a permanent closure may have.”

The letter continues: “Given that we can find no elected member or community council that has participated within the affected areas of this review I would ask you to reconsider these closures and would appreciate a meeting with you to invite MP’s, MSP’s and Councillors from the affected areas to discuss further.” Forth councillor George Gordon, who will lose his local TSB branch on Boswall Parkway, said: “When we went through the financial crash our community was up in arms trying to help that branch and keep it going - most of the people who work there are community people.

“They’re not giving back what the community has given them all these years.

“I’m very disappointed with their behaviour. No one has had any consultation with them at all, not councillors, MPs, MSPs - it’s completely unacceptable.

“Moving the branch is pure discrimination against some of the poorest people in society.”

A TSB spokesperson said: “These decisions are the most difficult we take, but we must always be guided by our customers - and we are clearly witnessing a substantial shift towards digital banking.

“TSB remains committed to offering high quality banking services in branches across Scotland. We are also introducing mobile advisers to ensure we look after vulnerable customers and those in rural locations.

“We are working to ensure the transition towards digital – which is being seen right across the economy – is handled sensitively and pragmatically for our colleagues and customers.”

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