Local MP urges Tory Government to save Renfrew bank branch

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has continued his campaign to save the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Renfrew town centre by calling on the UK Government to intervene to stop the popular branch from closing its doors for good.

The Member of Parliament for Paisley and Renfrewshire North was speaking in a Westminster debate on Thursday and slammed banking bosses for putting profits before the needs of the community.

Mr Newlands stated that this is fourth bank closure campaign that he’s been involved in since his election just two and a half years ago. Since then the Bank of Scotland closed their branch on Glasgow Road and the Clydesdale Bank have closed their branches in Renfrew and Bridge of Weir.

The Royal Bank plan to closing 62 of their branches across Scotland and Mr Newlands has urged the UK Government – as the major shareholder of the RBS – to intervene and save these vital banks.

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

“Banks like the Royal Bank of Scotland are callously ignoring the interest of their customers and the communities that they serve. This is not good enough and is, in fact, completely unacceptable when we recognise that it was the everyday taxpayer who bailed out the big banks.

“RBS are ignoring the fact that the Renfrew branch is a thriving busy branch, valued immensely by the local community, which only a few short months ago was deemed important enough for a costly refurbishment. RBS is ignoring the fact that local businesses rely on this branch and that it’s a vital service for those with a disability as well as older people.

“Following my disappointing and ultimately unproductive meeting with RBS bosses last month, it was clear that they have little interest in being transparent about how busy the branch actually is and are ignoring the fact that the Paisley branch is not a viable option for many of their customers.

“The Tory UK Government – as the major RBS shareholder – could intervene and save the Renfrew branch. All it takes is political will. However, it seems that the Tories are beholden to the banking bosses rather than standing up for the people of Renfrew.”