ANGER over the Royal Bank of Scotland’s decision to close its Prestonpans branch has led to Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council closing its account with the bank.

The community council agreed to change banks following the “disappointing” decision, as well as write to the chief executive of RBS expressing members’ concern.

Sheila Chambers, chairwoman, said: “It is disappointing and lets everyone in the community down.”

The move by the community council comes as the campaign to have the decision overturned continues.

Both Iain Gray MSP and George Kerevan MP have appealed to the Royal Bank of Scotland to keep the branch open.

Mr Gray raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament against the decision, which was debated by members on Tuesday.

Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for the branch to remain both online and on the streets of Prestonpans.

Mr Gray said: “The proposed closure of the RBS branch on Prestonpans High Street has provoked great anger from both the bank’s customers and the wider local community.

“Hundreds of people have signed our petition opposing the decision and calling for a rethink, while dozens have left comments telling RBS why they are so angry and disappointed by the plans.

“I hope that by putting the spotlight on the decision, we can increase the pressure on RBS to halt the closure and work with the local community to explore alternative ways of keeping the branch open.”