Bank to press ahead with closure of branch
RBS branch in Cardenden
PLANS to close the Cardenden branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) will go ahead next month, despite the decision sparking anger among local residents.
Last month, the bank revealed it planned to close its doors on March 14, following a sharp fall in customer demand over the last 12 months.
A petition in the village has attracted hundreds of signatures opposing the plan.
However, after accepting an invitation to meet representatives from Cardenden Community Council, officials from the bank confirmed they would be pressing ahead with the closure.
David Taylor, secretary of the community council, expressed disappointment at the decision: “The bank representatives explained that over the past few years, the number of people using the branch had been falling, and it was felt that it was no longer viable to maintain the Cardenden facility.
“With the increasing use of cash machines, mobile phone and internet banking, customers no longer need to visit the bank.
“The possibility of oper-ating a reduced service was discussed, but this would not be viable, and customers will now have to travel to Kirkcaldy or Cowdenbeath to visit the bank.”
Mr Taylor added that the community council was “unhappy” there had been no prior consultation to the closure, and said a number of local organisations and businesses may now switch banks.
He said: “Many of the local organisations and groups who use the bank are now considering transferring their accounts to the local Lloyds TSB bank, which operates a two day a week service in the village, enabling them to manage their essential banking transactions locally.”
A spokesman for RBS said staff would do all they can to support customers in making alternative arrangements, and a full branch offering was available at the nearby Cowdenbeath branch.
Alternative options are also available in the form of mobile phone applications, online and telephone banking services as well as the use of any Post Office to pay bills, withdraw cash and check balances.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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