TSB will not reverse its decision to axe Tain branch despite Clydesdale's move to halt the closure of its Dingwall branch; Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant brands TSB announcement 'disappointing'
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BANKING giant TSB's decision not to reverse the planned closure of its Tain branch has been branded 'disappointing' by a Highland MSP.
Rhoda Grant had written to the company to see if it might halt the move following Clydesdale's unexpected decision to give its Dingwall branch a stay of execution in the wake of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Mrs Grant hoped the move might inspire a similar change of heart at the TSB, but it has now come back to say the June closure will still go ahead.
She had previously written to the banking giant last November after the original announcement was made and concerned constituents contacted her.
This time the TSB told the MSP: “We have not taken the decision lightly having reviewed a range of factors on the viability of the branch and in ensuring that we are able to continue to support our customers in Tain to bank with us after the closure.
“I appreciate your concerns on the impact this will have on the local community, particularly given the ongoing coronavirus crisis which has seen an even lower level of footfall in the branch and an uplift in customers registering for online and mobile banking.”
Mrs Grant added: “It is such a pity that banks will not invest in local communities, especially at a time when people will probably be staying local much more and for the foreseeable future.
“As both governments keep telling us, conquering coronavirus will be a marathon and not a sprint and I was hoping that banks could see some worth in keeping staff and customers in smaller areas.”
TSB said it was contacting customers to help them use other banking options, including telephone and digital and working with the Post Office to ensure there was still access to banking services.
The bank added: “We’re also supporting personal and business banking customers impacted by Coronavirus through additional lending and loan repayment holidays and we remain the only bank to offer customers a Fraud Refund Guarantee, which protects innocent customers against all types of transactional fraud loss.”
Mrs Grant wrote to the Clydesdale bank, which has now merged with Virgin Money, asking about the future of its Dingwall branch given that it said it would not be preceding with closure “until further notice” due to recognition of the impact of Covid 19 and uncertainty.
Last year she had a meeting with bank officials about proposed closures.
The MSP asked if there was further information as to what would happen to the Dingwall branch – for instance whether it would still close this year.
“I did ask if it would consider the branch’s long-term future given that even if coronavirus restrictions are lessened then there may indeed be more local footfall for shops and services. This wasn’t answered.
“Although I welcome the reprieve, I fear this will be a temporary measure to suit the bank’s current predicament but I’m hoping to be proved wrong.”
Clydesdale added: “This latest decision comes on top of numerous measures to protect colleague and customer health and wellbeing at this time.
"Our priority is to continue providing services for our customers, while keeping colleagues safe. These are unprecedented times and we continue to review what further action we can take to support our customers, communities and colleagues.”
