THE last bank in Tranent will close its doors this summer.

Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed it will shut its High Street branch on July 27.

The bank noted that there was an increase in people using both mobile and digital banking, which meant fewer people were coming into the branch.

In Tranent, they said the average customer transactions had reduced by 70 per cent between January 2019 and January last year.

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Similarly, the number of customers using mobile apps had increased by 36 per cent between the same period.

According to a leaflet produced by the Royal Bank of Scotland: “Closing a branch is always difficult and not a decision that we ever take lightly.”

Consideration is given to the likely impact on customers, where the nearest branch and cash machines are, and whether there is a Post Office nearby.

The closure will mean the nearest Royal Bank of Scotland to the town is on Musselburgh’s Bridge Street.

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Banking facilities, including checking a balance, withdrawing and paying in money, can take place at the town’s Post Office.

In 2021, the bank branch was used by 37 personal customers on a regular basis, with 100 business customers regularly using the facility over the same period.

Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, said: "If it is the case that the bank is to close in July, Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council will be seeking to work with MPs MSPs and Royal Bank of Scotland to have this decision reversed.

"This would mean the town would only have the post office providing banking services."