Reflecting on the news that the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Bannockburn branch has had a short term stay of execution, Bannockburn Councillor Margaret Brisley says,
“If RBS are looking for our thanks for keeping the Bannockburn branch open for a few extra months, they can whistle. They shouldn’t be shutting it at all.
The taxpayer – you and I – are the majority shareholders in the Royal Bank. The Tory Government could if they chose to, intervene and tell the Royal Bank to develop and use a social backbone.
Our Tory MP, Stephen Kerr, has been worse than useless – despite having a direct dial to the Treasury, he’s been unable to influence his own party to do the right think for his constituents. From bank closures to Universal Credit, Stephen Kerr and this Tory Government show time and time again they have nothing but hardship to offer working class communities and the most vulnerable in our society.”
RBS announced some months ago that they were due to close the Bannockburn branch this month. This week they announced the branch will remain open until a new branch opens in the Thistle Centre. The new branch will also replace the premises at Pitt Terrace and occupy the former Costa Coffee unit at Murray Place and the Savers shop immediately behind it.
Councillor Chris Kane, whose Stirling East ward covers Hillpark and Whins of Milton, says,
“I’m at a loss to understand how this new Thistle Centre branch is any more convenient than Pitt Terrace. Locals who need to use the bus will, I suppose, be able to move from the bus station to the new premises completely under cover. But that’s cold comfort if you’ve been soaked to the skin waiting for the bus at the other end.
RBS continue to treat loyal, long standing customers and branch staff atrociously. RBS were quick to take a taxpayer bailout when they needed it, after years of pocketing outrageous profits for shareholders and senior management.
When the customers who have remained loyal to them through the best of times and the worst of times need the bank’s help and support, they find the branch door slammed shut in their face.”