THE decision not to review the closure of two East Lothian RBS branches has been criticised by the county's politicians.

RBS  announced that 10 branches that had previously been earmarked to close this year would be given a reprieve. 

With neither the Dunbar nor North Berwick branch among that list, both seem set to close their doors this summer.

And Martin Whitfield, East Lothian MP, and MSP Iain Gray, have hit out at that decision.

Mr Whitfield said the bank's U-turn was "little more than a token gesture", adding: “It is very disappointing that RBS has not extended this temporary reprieve and review to its Dunbar and North Berwick branches. 

“There has been no transparency on how RBS reached this decision and no consultation with the communities losing their branches. 

"They have failed again to listen to the concerns of customers and the loss of the branches will have a hugely damaging effect on the towns here.”

And Iain Gray MSP said the decision to allow 10 of the banks - in Biggar, Beauly, Castlebay on Barra, Comrie, Douglas, Gretna, Inveraray, Melrose, Kyle of Lochalsh and Tongue - to remain open was "too little, too late."

He added: “Dozens of constituents have told me that the Dunbar and North Berwick branches are always busy, and yet RBS appears to have ruled out any consideration of a reprieve for them.

"The closures are disgraceful and damaging to local customers, communities and our high streets.”

Mary Alexander, deputy Scottish secretary of the Unite union, has questioned why it applies to only 10 of the 62 branches that were first proposed for closure last December. 

She said: "If it’s good enough to make these concessions what are the bank prepared to do about the other 52 communities facing the axe.
“RBS has opened the door for further consideration of its entire programme.

"We remain gravely concerned about the remaining 52 closures and will be seeking an urgent meeting with the top bank officials about this."