Figures being used to justify a cull of TSB banks in the north-east and Highlands does not “match the situation on the ground”, it has been claimed.
Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn has revealed concerns about the planned closure of the 17 branches after meeting bank bosses yesterday.
He was joined by SNP colleague and Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP, Maureen Watt, as together their constituencies stand to lose four TSBs – with a total of seven to be closed in Aberdeen overall.
Mr Flynn last night revealed does not believe the numbers presented by TSB to justify the closures match the reality on the ground on a daily and weekly basis.
He said: “We met with TSB to make clear that they must reconsider these closures which will come as a hammer blow to folk across the city – I have profound concerns that the numbers TSB are using to justify the closures simply do not match the situation on the ground.
“At the meeting we made clear that these local services are absolutely vital to those living in the areas affected, not least our constituents who will be unable to travel readily into the city centre.”
Ms Watt added: “TSB must rethink these closures and come back to the table – seven branch closures in one city is unforgivable and stands as a real kick in the teeth to folk across our city.”
Last night a TSB spokesman told The P&J: “We welcome the opportunity to engage local politicians.
“The decision to close these branches was not taken lightly, but our customers are banking differently – with a marked shift to digital banking.
“We are enhancing our partnership with the Post Office giving customers the ability to deposit and withdraw cash using a card.
“All these branches have a Post Office or cash machine less than a mile away.
“TSB will also introduce around 50 mobile advisors in some rural communities to deliver face-to-face support for existing TSB customers on basic banking queries and organise further support for them.”