Alyth’s last bank, the RBS in the town centre, is set to close in November and Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser is seeking an urgent meeting with bank chiefs to put across local people’s views on the issue.
The loss of the RBS branch would be a substantial blow to the local economy considering the town is only just recovering from the impacts of the recent flooding.
The branch closure is currently scheduled for the 18th of November and the existing staff have been told there will be no compulsory redundancies.
Murdo Fraser said;
“I am in Alyth today and it is clear from the many conversations I have had with local people just how much concern and dismay there is at news that the RBS branch is to close.
“This is the last bank in town and its closure will result in residents having to travel to Blairgowrie or Kirriemuir to conduct banking activity. Any closure will leave a prominent site in the centre of the town vacant just when the town is trying to recover from the devastating flooding; this is the last thing that residents need to be told.
“I have already spoken to the RBS head office and I am setting up a meeting to articulate the views of the local community and ask that this decision be reviewed.”
Strathmore Councillor Dennis Melloy said;
“Alyth in recent years had seen the loss of other bank branches and only last year the post office closed, it will therefore be a serious blow for the town to lose the last bank branch.
“People travelling from the surrounding area to Alyth to use the bank also visit other shops when they are here. If the bank closes the concern is that they will go elsewhere and there will be a knock on effect for the wider economy. I will be supporting Murdo Fraser’s efforts to try and have this decision reversed.”