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Hundreds call to save bank

Hundreds call to save bank

Residents in an Aberdeenshire village have started a petition against plans to close their local Clydesdale Bank branch.

More than 350 names have been gathered, and a number of Alford residents and businesses have pledged to close their accounts in protest.

A social network group has also been set up with more than 400 members.

Petition organiser Gillian Young said: “We’re very central to a large rural area that specifically comes to use the bank here, and at the same time use the shopping facilities.

“So the very fact that the banks are here is one of the things that is holding up our economy in the village.”

The bank has sent out letters to residents confirming its intention to close the branch in July, and move most accounts to its branch in Banchory leaving Alford customers with an hour-long trip for counter services.

For local residents who rely on public transport, they will have a choice between a five-hour bus journey to Banchory or having to switch their accounts to a branch in Aberdeen.

As well as the travel, villagers have cited concerns about the impact on the local community, including the lack of facilities when the village expands.

Ms Young said: “We’ve got more than 200 houses being built at the edge of the village at the moment, we’ve got a new school campus, we’ve got a new community hub being built.

“We think that the Clydesdale Bank is being very shortsighted at the moment in terms of giving the village a chance.”

The community campaign hopes the Clydesdale may consider deferring its decision to close the branch until the impact of the new housing in the area has been assessed.

MP Sir Robert Smith has lent his support to the campaign. He said: “I am concerned about the lack of choice for the Donside community and I have written to the chief executive of Clydesdale Bank to express my concerns.

“It is important that local communities have access to financial services and I have asked him to look again at the decision to close the Alford branch in light of the need for choice for rural areas.”

The Clydesdale Bank said they wouldn’t be making any fresh comment.