Scottish Conservatives MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith have asked the TSB to “rethink” axing bank branches, which the former has described as “brutal.”
The politicians, who both represent the Mid Scotland and Fife region, want the bank to consider the impact on communities of closing the branches, which will include those in Blairgowrie, Coupar Angus, Crieff and Pitlochry.
TSB has announced it will close 73 branches across Scotland, with around 300 jobs going in the process.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “We are asking the TSB to have a rethink on this move - closing four TSB bank branches in Perth and Kinross is brutal. Having access to a branch on your doorstep is vital, especially for those in rural communities with a poor broadband or mobile signal.
“Also, the elderly and vulnerable, especially in the current climate, will be extremely worried if they are unable to access banking facilities in the place where they live.”
He continued: “I realise many people use online banking these days, but banks should consider that a lot of residents, particularly elderly people, don’t do so and a move like this is ripping the heart out of many of our communities in Perth and Kinross.”
And Liz Smith added: “Local people will be very upset by this move – even more so in the middle of a pandemic when so many communities are feeling so vulnerable already.
“Residents will feel aggrieved at this decision, especially when the bank made little effort to engage with the local community and to explain what additional support can be provided to its customers.
“Many residents rely on having a local bank branch, but unfortunately we are seeing more and more of these closures. The TSB should consider these factors and think again about these swingeing cuts to branches.”