A MAJOR bank has delivered a blow to New Cumnock and Catrine by announcing the closure of its local branches.

The banks will close on September 12 this year.

A spokesperson said it was a 'difficult decision.’however, they promise a mobile bank for their customers in the villages.

Local SNP MSP Adam Ingram said the news was disappointing.

He continued: “I am certain their customers in Catrine and New Cumnock will be feeling the same way.

“It appears the decision to close these branches was a result of a decline in the number of customers accessing the branches. RBS have stated that they will engage with the local communities affected by the closures to ensure the mobile van branch they are putting in place will meet their needs.” He added: “They are also in negotiations with the local Post Office branches to provide banking services which I hope will be in place before any of the branches close and I certainly hope that with this additional service these Post Office branches will not fall victim to closure as we have seen elsewhere.

“I understand that we are living in very different times in terms of how technologically driven our lives have become and there has been a marked increase in the number of people banking online. However, we must not overlook those who still prefer to access face to face services and would encourage RBS to ensure existing customers of these branches will be afforded at least the same level of service if not better from the mobile van branch and the Post Office.” Sandra Osborne MP has also raised concerns regarding the closures.

She said: “Whilst I appreciate that agreement has been reached with the local Post Offices to allow RBS customers to withdraw cash, check balances and pay bills free of charge and eventually also to pay money in, as well as the provision of a new mobile van branch, this is another example of the withdrawal of local facilities in rural areas. Whilst consultation will take place on the route the van should take it appears the decision to close the branches has already been taken.

“I have raised my concerns with RBS and asked what will happen to the premises, as we do not need more empty buildings, the extent of the service being made available by the mobile branch and whether job losses will occur as a result of this decision.” A bank spokesperson said: “The number of customers using these branches has dropped by, on average, a fifth over the last few years as more and more of them use alternative ways of banking with us. This includes by telephone, in Post Offices, by app and online.” The New Cumnock branch is only open for 12 hours a week and only 17 customers use it regularly each week.

RBS will be providing a number of measures to ensure that customers will still have access to banking in the area including a new mobile bank that they hope will provide a more personal banking service to the community.

Customers will still be able to do all the same transactions they could do in the branch, but the van will also be equipped with satellite technology which will allow staff on board to connect directly to customers accounts.

RBS are still in talks with East Ayrshire Council regarding the route the mobile bank will take but it’s hoped it will cover the areas effected by the branch closures.

The bank has an arrangement with the local Post Office that allows customers to withdraw cash, check balances and pay bills free of charge and it was recently announced that in the coming months, customers will be able to deposit both cash and cheques in any of the Post Office’s 11,500 branches across the UK.

Customers of the New Cumnock and Catrine branches will have ATM restrictions lifted and will be able to use ATMs from other banks in the area.

All customers will be notified of the closures in writing. If any customer has concerns regarding the closures they are being advised to go into the branch.

The company will also close its branch in Ballantrae.