JIM Roberts, who is standing for re-election as councillor of the Ballochmyle ward, has gone right to the top in his protest over RBS closures.

He demanded to know why there was no consultation with the community prior to the decision to close down branches of the bank in Cumnock and Mauchline.

Bypassing several layers of bank bureaucracy, he contacted the bank’s chief executive Ross McEwan to register his anger.

Mr Roberts said: “It would have been extremely helpful had some form of options appraisal been carried out to mitigate the impact on communities, but this would appear not to have taken place.

“One option would have been to link with the East Ayrshire Council in terms of shared premises to reduce operational expenditure.

“However, the main thrust here is to close branches come what may, regardless of any representation or dialogue from anyone to reduce losses going forward by RBS.

“It is ironic the bank is 72 per cent owned by the taxpayer, yet the very individuals who hold the majority shareholding have no voice whatsoever and are the ones who will suffer detriment, especially those in the more remote communities.”

Mr McEwan was also asked how he perceived service delivery by RBS going forward in the area, and advised that customers may ‘decide enough is enough and take their business elsewhere’.

In response, Joy Robson of the RBS Chief Executive Office referred to the Access to Banking Protocol.

She said: “While ensuring that customers are treated fairly, decisions on branch closures are ultimately commercial decisions for banks to take.

“Before the decision has been made to close a branch, a bank will undertake an internal analysis to understand the potential impact on branch users; and the availability and suitability of alternative ways to bank for branch users who live locally or travel to use the branch.

“After a bank has decided to close a branch and having first advised impacted branch staff, the bank will engage with other key local stakeholders these may include the local authority, business associations and local advice agencies.

“Banks will publish the results of their engagement and impact assessment, and the considerations taken into account in assessing the impact of the branch closure, subject to the removal of commercially sensitive information.

The results will be made public before the closure of the branch.”

This explanation failed to appease Mr Roberts who said that it is a done deal as far as the RBS is concerned, adding that it is not good for our communities.