Anger as date set for Fife bank branch closure

Following a campaign that saw hundreds of local people sign a petition opposing branch closures in Cupar and Anstruther, and correspondence between the creator of the campaign and the bank’s chief executive, Cupar branch customers have received confirmation that their branch will close their doors for the last time on June 1.

Commenting, Rhuaraidh Fleming, the SNP candidate in North East Fife for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, said: “I am angry that TSB has taken this decision despite strong, vocal, public objection.

“I understand that TSB are offering to transfer customer accounts to a different branch or telling customers to use online banking but for some people these will not be practical alternatives.

“Advising people to use an already over-stretched Post Office service is also insulting. What local people need is for banks like the TSB to stop taking advantage of customer loyalty and to honour their commitment by providing the services people want, and need, locally.

“It is important to me that organisations like banks stop their systematic withdrawal from our high streets. Local businesses have suffered through the pandemic and need support as we recover - removing vital services from our high streets must stop and I will continue to engage with any large organisation, such as the TSB, that is considering taking this sort of step in the future to encourage them to retain a physical presence in north east Fife.”

The TSB branch in Anstruther closed its doors on Wednesday, despite locals voicing concerns about the TSB being the last bank in town.

Adding to this, Rhuaraidh said: “Not only is it the last bank in Anstruther, it is the last bank in the entire East Neuk. I have seen queues out the door of this busy branch so it is clearly well used and a vital presence in the area. I have written again to the chief executive of TSB to urge a last minute reprieve for the Anstruther branch and I hope they will listen to not only my request, but the request of hundreds of people who have supported my campaign.”