The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has been urged to rethink plans to shut its Johnstone branch as it was accused of “corporate flight” from the town.

The banking giant previously announced its intention to bring the shutters down on the Church Street facility on Tuesday, August 15.

It means customers will need to travel just shy of five miles to the Paisley Chief Office in Moncrieff Street if they want to bank with RBS in person.

Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, has brought forward a motion which he hopes will receive the backing of his peers at today's (Thursday's) full council meeting.

The text, which has been seconded by Johnstone South councillor John Hood, says: “Council expresses its deep concern that with the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Johnstone, in August of this year, the town will only have one bank whereas less than a decade ago it had four in operation.

“Council demands that Royal Bank management reconsider their decision to close the Johnstone branch, which will remove accessible banking from the elderly, those on low and fixed incomes, and the digitally excluded, and to stop their policy of corporate flight from Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.”

When first informed of the decision at the end of March, Councillor Doig said he was “far from impressed”.

“It is simply not good enough,” he added.

“The High Street banking sector is letting the public down.”

It is understood between 2019 and 2022, counter transactions decreased by 55 per cent at the Johnstone branch.

An RBS spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

“We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.

“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”

Staff will be kept on and have the opportunity to work at another location.