The Clydesdale Bank is to close its town centre branches in Johnstone and Renfrew, delivering a "devastating"blow to staff and customers.

A move towards electronic banking is being blamed for the decision, which has left Clydesdale customers in both towns facing a trip to Paisley to carry out their transactions.

Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Mhairi Black is calling on bank bosses to reconsider the closure plans.

She told The Gazette: “This is devastating news for staff and for customers of Clydesdale Bank, who rely on their local branch for banking.

"It will mean that the nearest Clydesdale Branch will be in Paisley, forcing customers to travel further to access banking services.

“I will be contacting the Clydesdale Bank to ask them to reconsider their closure plans or to at least outline alternative options to help their customers from Johnstone and surrounding areas.”

Gavin Newlands MP also voiced his "frustration and disappointment" upon learning that the Clydesdale Bank is planning on closing its Renfrew town centre branch.

He said: "This bank has been based in the town for as many years that I can remember and is valued by local people.

"My immediate thoughts are with all those who work in the Clydesdale Bank Renfrew branch.

"I’m angry as this is another local bank which is being closed in Renfrewshire.

"Over the past few years, we have witnessed a number of community banks being closed despite their importance to local people.

"I have contacted Clydesdale Bank to seek an urgent meeting on this closure in order to find out the reasons behind this decision and if anything can be done to reverse this disappointing decision."

The branches in Johnstone and Renfrew are among 79 across the UK earmarked for closure by the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banking group, with the loss of 400 jobs.

Rob MacGregor, national officer for the Unite trade union, said the closures will be "concerning" for local communities, which would be left with less choice in banking services.

He added: "The union has called on the bank to give a commitment to mitigate compulsory redundancies where possible and that they will reconsider closing any bank branches that are the last bank in a town.

"Unite workplace representatives will be able to assist members over the coming days and weeks to support staff impacted by this announcement."

Bosses at Clydesdale Bank said they will try to find roles for staff affected by the closures, either within other branches or elsewhere in the bank.

Gavin Opperman, customer banking director, added: "While the decision to close any branch is never an easy one, it is important that we, in line with other banks operating in the UK market, continue to respond to changes in the way customers want to bank with us.

"The changes announced today continue our journey towards a model that combines an enhanced digital platform with a right-sized branch network, allowing customers to interact with us through a wide range of channels - mobile, online, telephone, in-branch - whenever and however they want."