Protect Banking Services in Our Towns

North Ayrshire & Arran MP, Patricia Gibson has again met with RBS management to discuss the future of banking facilities in West Kilbride in the wake of the decision to close the branch in the town this October.

After the meeting Patricia said:

“I am pleased that RBS management were willing to meet with representatives of West Kilbride’s business community, namely, Linda McGarrity (Keystore), Norman Rennie (Seamill Hydro), Stephen MacAllister (Kandy Bar), Craig Masterton (Giuliana’s Coffee Shop) and John Lamb (West Kilbride Community Council).

“Whilst the meeting was constructive and productive, I am deeply concerned about the future of banking in our towns in the longer term.

“We are seeing a gradual retreat by the banking industry from our small towns across the country; this closure in West Kilbride is only the latest in a series of bank closures across North Ayrshire and Scotland. Recently we have witnessed the closure of Clydesdale Bank in Kilwinning, Barclays in Saltcoats and a couple of years ago RBS closed its branch in Dalry.

“Losing banking facilities in our towns is a real blow and I have now raised this matter with Anna Soubry MP, Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise, urging her to work with the banking sector to prevent any further erosion of banking facilities in our towns. Such closures impact most on older people people and small businesses who rely on local banking services.

“I will also lodge an Early Day Motion in Parliament to raise the profile of this issue when Westminster reconvenes on 07 September. It will be supported by SNP MPs and, one hopes, MPs of other parties.”