LOCAL MSP COLIN BEATTIE AND MP OWEN THOMPSON SHOCKED OVER LOANHEAD BANK CLOSURE

​There was an announcement this week that the Bank of Scotland branch in Loanhead is set to shut. This closure will come on the 4th of May 2020 and will be one of 14 branch closures across Scotland.
 
Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh commented:
 
‘We are seeing far too many branch closures locally and it is simply unacceptable. Having a local bank is vital to communities and the Loanhead branch is an indispensable service for many local people.
 
Alternatives need to be sought instead of simply closing bank branches without thorough consideration or consultation. We should not simply be offered ineffective substitutes, such as post offices. We need to have a face-to-face banking branch that adequately addresses the needs of the community.
 
I would call on the UK Government to act and work harder to protect our local businesses and communities from careless decisions like this. I would urgently ask the Bank of Scotland to rethink the reckless decision to shut local services, as this only puts their customers at a disadvantage. I am determined to continue fighting for a better deal for my community with local businesses.’
 
Owen Thompson MP for Midlothian stated:
 
‘I am shocked to learn that Bank of Scotland are proposing the closure of their Loanhead Branch this May.  This is the only bank in Loanhead and this decision is clearly short-sighted given the significant population increase in the local area. It is not good enough that constituents and local businesses will have to make longer journeys to have access to essential services that they should have locally. The Bank of Scotland need to reconsider this decision immediately.’
 
'In light of this announcement I have spoken to Bank of Scotland to call for an urgent meeting which is due to take place in the coming days. I also highlighted this issue to local Councillor, Kelly Parry and to Pat Kenny, Chair of Loanhead's Community Council, who share my concerns that this closure will bring loss to the local community'
 
Kelly Parry Councillor for Midlothian West said:
 
“The Community in Loanhead will be hugely disadvantaged by this decision, which will have an impact on the most vulnerable of residents, as well as the Loanhead business community. I would urge the Bank of Scotland to reconsider this shocking move and protect this vital face to face service for Loanhead.”