CONCERNS have been raised after Renfrew residents received letters about major changes to the town’s Bank of Scotland branch.
Customers have been told by Lloyds Banking Group the face-to-face counter service will be removed, along with parts of the business banking service.
The counter service is to be replaced by automated, self-service facilities.
The Bank of Scotland has said all the staff currently at the branch will still be on hand to assist customers.
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Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said he had been approached by worried constituents and had written to Lloyds Banking Group but is still awaiting a reply.
He described the changes as “a bitter pill to swallow” after the town has lost its Clydesdale Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland branches in recent years, soon to be followed by the Santander branch.
He said: “These changes will disproportionately affect the elderly and those with additional support needs. I popped into the branch and spoke to staff and I am somewhat comforted by the fact they remained positive.
“In recent years, Renfrew has lost the Clydesdale Bank, then RBS, followed by Santander, and now there is a diminution of services at Bank of Scotland.
“I know Renfrew is not alone in this but it is a bitter pill to swallow.
“I do hope Bank of Scotland reconsider this decision.”
A Bank of Scotland spokesperson said: “The updated Renfrew branch will play a vital role in maintaining Bank of Scotland’s high street presence, supporting personal and business customers.
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“The branch will continue to offer a face-to-face service, supporting a full range of self-service facilities, including cashpoints and immediate deposit machines, that will give Renfrew customers quick and easy access to the most common banking services with colleagues on hand offering a face-to-face support.
“We are proactively engaging with customers and members of the local community to inform them of these changes and to advise how customers can still access all of their banking needs.”
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