Local MSPs Craig Hoy and Oliver Mundell have convened a meeting between Moffat community campaigner Evelyn Atkins and Bank of Scotland at the Scottish Parliament.
During the Holyrood meeting, Mrs Atkins presented a petition signed by over 3000 residents to the bank’s public affairs manager Ross Gardner.
The meeting was organised by Craig Hoy and Oliver Mundell in the Scottish Parliament where both politicians expressed their opposition to the closure of the Moffat branch of Bank of Scotland.
During Mrs Atkins joined with the MSPs to urge bank bosses to think again on the branch closure, which is due to take place in November.
Speaking after the meeting, Craig Hoy said: “Oliver Mundell and myself were pleased to stand alongside Evelyn Atkins as she presented the petition on behalf of residents where she stressed her deep concern and regret at the closure. The proposed closure would leave many older residents and local businesses without face-to-face banking services and result in a significant reduction in access to cash in the town. Sadly, it appears that bank bosses are set to ignore these concerns and press on with next month’s closure.”
Mr Hoy had previously attended a meeting hosted by Age Scotland in Moffat where over 60 local residents added their support to the local campaign.
Oliver Mundell added: “Craig Hoy and I have backed Evelyn’s campaign to save the bank and it is deeply regrettable that Bank of Scotland are unwilling to look again at the issues raised. With the bank set to close next month, it is vital that urgent measures are taken to increase cash access in the town centre. Bank of Scotland appears to be walking away from the residents and businesses of Moffat but this cannot be allowed to result in the town becoming a cash desert.”
Speaking after the meeting, Evelyn Atkins said: “I thank Craig and Oliver for setting up the meeting with Bank of Scotland. Older people have supported Bank of Scotland as customers for decades but now the bank looks like it is walking away from them. Despite a six-month campaign and a petition with over 3000 signatures, I am deeply disappointed and upset that the bank simply isn’t listening. But it is still not too late for the bank to reverse this decision and prevent the damage it will do to Moffat. I will continue my campaign to keep the bank open and urge all Residents, Businesses and Community Groups who have concerns to come out in support of the Campaign at a final Rally in front of the Town Hall on 16th October at 2p.m.”
Mr Hoy, alongside Oliver and David Mundell, recently met with staff from Link, which determines access to cash requirements, where they warned that residents, visitors and businesses would be severely impacted if the town loses its only High Street located ATM.
ENDS
