Management at Clydesdale Bank have been challenged on their decision to close the busy St Andrews branch this summer.
North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins and St Andrews councillor Ann Verner met with representatives of the bank this week to highlight the impact the move will have on locals and visitors, particularly on many elderly residents.
The bank pinpointed the South Street branch as one of those for the axe, blaming a fall in face-to-face transactions and more customers choosing to bank through their mobile phone or via online and telephone channels.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The Courier newsletter
It added the focus now is on ensuring the transition of accounts from St Andrews to Dundee is “as smooth as possible” for customers.
However, Mr Gethins said many constituents had been in touch to express concerns since the news broke.
“There are a number of common issues affecting customers, many of whom have loyally banked with Clydesdale for decades as well as some who live elsewhere in North East Fife and moved to St Andrews branch when their own branches closed.
“One of the main benefits of the branch was its accessibility, customers could park very close. This is important for pensioners and the less mobile.
“I made it clear that this will not be the case in Dundee where the bank is within the pedestrianised zone and parking nearby is very difficult.”
Mr Gethins said he also raised concerns expressed by small business owners who will lose access to cash as well as the impact of losing an ATM for residents, students and tourists who are all important to the local economy.
He added: “St Andrews is a busy town, there may be other banks but this one is also in a central location and important to those working, shopping or visiting bars and restaurants in the town. Like Santander, I have asked for this ATM to be retained if possible.”
Fellow SNP member and St Andrews councillor Ann Verner said she had also been contacted by constituents concerned about the closure.
She said: “It was good to meet with Clydesdale Bank and express just how worrying this is.
“St Andrews does have a lot of elderly residents and it is all very well saying ‘go online’ but not everyone wants to and it’s not everything that can be done online.
“I also asked about the job security of those employed by Clydesdale Bank at present and about what will happen to the building.”
Following the meeting, Clydesdale Bank representatives agreed to address the MP and councillor’s concerns in writing so they can share this information with constituents.
