Kirkcaldy MP Neale Hanvey condemns decision to close TSB bank branch in Kirkcaldy

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Neale Hanvey said figures show the TSB branch in Templehall is well used and his comments come after an annoucement was made last year that the TSB would close branches in Templehall, Cowdenbeath and Burntisland.

Yet, despite having 27 percent more transactions than average branches, TSB bosses say they will go ahead with the closure of Kirkcaldy’s Templehall branch.

Mr Hanvey said the figures show locals made a total of 39,000 transactions in Templehall last year, compared to an average of 30,701, with Cowdenbeath branch processing 28,000 transactions and Burntisland 17,000.

He said: “TSB says a shift to online banking and drop in numbers using branches means they have to close branches, but their own figures show that Templehall is well-used.

“Not only is the Templehall branch viable, but it is also both wanted and needed, and I am urging TSB to reconsider this decision.

“The significantly higher than average use at Templehall highlights the difficulty many from the area have in accessing the High Street branch.

“People living in areas of deprivation are also less likely to have access to online banking, with 49 per cent of over 60s in areas like Templehall not using the internet at all. The closure of this branch could leave many with no access to banking services.”

TSB argues that 96% of customers would be with 20 minutes’ drive of another branch, but Mr Hanvey says this fails to recognise the difficulties posed to vulnerable people or those without transport.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FFP/V