Tranent: former RBS leaves ‘a complete mess’ on High Street

Tranent’s RBS branch, the last bank in the town, closed its doors for the final time on July 27, with workers removing the signs on the same day.

However, frustrations have been vented at how the site has been left by the bank, with claims the cash machine was covered by a plastic bag.

Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, told the Courier: “I am disgusted with how RBS have left the building.

“It looks a complete mess and there has been no effort to make the building look presentable.

“The cash machine has been covered and the building generally looks a mess.

“Unfortunately, given the way RBS has handled this closure, I am not at all surprised by this lack of care.”

Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, ward councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, said she was frustrated at the way the building looked.

She said: “It looks like it has been empty for years.

“I understand that they needed to take the sign down as it is their sign. But they could have painted over it or at least presented the building better.

“When I went past, there was a plastic bag over the cash machine, which I had thought was being left for a while by the bank.

“It looks a complete mess.”

Ms Menzies said she feared the state of the building would harm the chances of it being bought.

She said: “I do fear for how this could hurt the chances of a possible investment in the building.

“We want Tranent to look as attractive as possible for people to invest. They need to see that we take care of our buildings.

“I fear that any investor will be put off by how the building looks and this will make it difficult to sell.”

Fellow ward councillor Kenny McLeod added: “The building has been left in some state. It is a real mess. It’s very unfortunate that this is how they have chosen to leave the building. I just hope it is sold soon and a new business moves in.”

RBS was contacted for comment.