HADDINGTON’S only Bank of Scotland is closing in June because most customers now instead use the mobile app, the company has said.
The announcement that the town’s branch is set to shut in a few months’ time has been met with concern from local representatives, with some calling for the decision to be reversed.
However, a closure document from Bank of Scotland states that most people living in the area are carrying out their transactions online, via mobile or over the phone rather than in person.
The review found that in total, 867 people were classed as “regular monthly branch users”, noting that 92 per cent of its customers are personal account holders and the rest business customers.
The majority of personal customers are between the ages of 55 and 74.
Bank of Scotland said that before closing any bank, it looks at “how customers are doing their banking”.
The bank stated: “Before we close a branch, we carefully consider and analyse how customers will be affected, including how customers are choosing to bank with us, how often customers use the branch and how this is changing, and the services available in the area.”
Customers are being pointed towards alternatives once the doors on Court Street shut.
The closest Bank of Scotland branch is located in Musselburgh, while it is pointed out in the document that a free-to-use RBS cash machine is located on the same street, at number 32.
It is also highlighted that Haddington Post Office is also located just a few doors down, offering options for day-to-day banking including paying in cash and cheques, checking balances and withdrawing cash.
Digital channels are heavily promoted, with detailed guidance on the Bank of Scotland mobile app and online banking, and a dedicated digital helpline offering one to one phone support for customers who lack confidence online.
The Haddington branch is scheduled to close on June 11.
Ahead of that date, the bank said it is writing to customers and contacting local representatives including East Lothian’s MP and MSP, as well as Citizens Advice and the Chamber of Commerce, to explain the decision and gather feedback.
LINK carried out an assessment following the decision to find gaps in the ability to access cash in a community, and ascertain whether additional facilities are required.
The outcome states that they are “not recommending” the provision of new services at this time, because it was found that the situation even once the Bank of Scotland closes, is “suitable for the needs of the local area”.
Local community members and organisations have 28 days to appeal the assessment and request a review of cash services.
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