Gavin Newlands MP Slams Bank Closure in Bishopton

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has reacted angrily to the news that the Bank of Scotland is planning on closing its branch in Bishopton.

The Bank of Scotland has confirmed that the branch will close on the 2^nd of November 2016. This is the result of the Group’s Strategic Review which was announced in October 2014 and included a programme of planned branch closures.

Customers are now being advised to access on-line banking or move their accounts to the Erskine branch, which is located over 3 miles away.

The office of Gavin Newlands MP has already been in touch with bank’s bosses to outline the impact that this closure will have on the local community.

Mr Newlands has previously spoken about the issue of bank closures at Westminster, explaining how the UK only has a third as many bank branches per person as other European countries.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“The announcement of the closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Bishopton is a real blow to the local community. Banking is one of the most basic and important services that people rely on and I know how angry and worried people in Bishopton are that the Bank of Scotland branch will close later this year.

“It’s not good enough for the bank to advise that all customers should move onto on-line banking or transfer their accounts to the next nearest branch which is over 3 miles away. The banks have a social responsibility to serve our communities, particularly those remote villages like Bishopton.

“At a time when the village of Bishopton is expanding, this decision makes little sense whatsoever. I am writing to the Bank of Scotland to express my serious concerns over this decision and explain the impact that this closure will have on the village of Bishopton. I am seeking a meeting with bank bosses to put forward the case as to why the Bank of Scotland should continue to keep this vital branch open.”