Union hits out at Clydesdale as 30 Scottish branches go

Published on Thursday 3 November 2005 12:09

CLYDESDALE Bank has been condemned for closing several branches across Scotland, including four in the Lothians.

Plans have been announced to shut 30 Scottish branches, including outlets at Morningside Road, Corstorphine, Penicuik and North Berwick.

Union Amicus said the confirmation by parent company National Australia Bank Group (NAG) that it would close the branches was a "serious blow".

Eight of the closures are the "last bank in the town" for some of the more remote and rural areas.

Telephone and internet banking means fewer people are using local branches, according to the bank.

A total of 17 English branches are also to be closed.

Amicus official Mary Alexander said: "The bank has reneged on their promise not to close 'the last branch in town' in eight communities.

"These customers will have to travel some distances to get to a branch and for those without a car, this could prove very difficult indeed."

Ms Alexander said that NAG had gone ahead despite pressure from MSPs and MPs.

National Australia Bank announced the closure of about a fifth of its Clydesdale and Yorkshire branches as part of a 117 million cost-cutting programme.

Up to 100 of the group's 449-strong network are being axed.