Labour and SNP Glasgow politicians join fight to save TSB banks

Six TSB branches are to close amid a “significant shift in customer behaviour” as more people move online.

Banks in Anniesland, Dennistoun, Drumchapel, Easterhouse, Partick and Springburn will be given the chop as part of a UK-wide cut by the firm.

READ MORE: Six Glasgow TSB branches to close amid 'shift in consumer behaviour'

However, the move has been criticised by politicians across the city, who have promised to fight the closures.

Labour leader Malcolm Cunning, who represents Linn, said: “The withdrawal of these branches and the access to free cash will cause particular harm if all six branches in Glasgow close.

"In many cases, they are the last bank standing in these communities.

Cllr Aileen McKenzie is behind a petition to stop the closures

“For our elderly and vulnerable, there is still a need for access to financial services in a way which might not be the same as our more affluent areas.”

Councillor Cunning is among those to give his backing to a petition, which has been launched by party colleague Aileen McKenzie.

The Springburn/Robroyston woman said: “This will negatively impact the most vulnerable in these communities where there is already a lack of access to banks.”

The Labour councillors are also being joined by Shettleston MSP John Mason, who represents Dennistoun and has written to TSB bosses to ask them to reconsider.

He wrote: “The fact that there has been no consultation prior to the decision makes it an extra hard blow for the community.

“You can certainly take this response as a strong objection to the closure, however, based on my experience with other banks, the decision has been made and I assume you are not open to reconsidering."

Robin Bulloch, TSB customer banking director, said: “These decisions are the most difficult we take, but we must always be guided by our customers – and we are clearly witnessing a substantial shift towards digital banking.

Shettleston MSP John Mason has written to TSB bosses

“We operate a more extensive branch network than most other banks in Scotland, including some much larger than TSB, and we need to reduce its size to reflect the changing needs of our customers and a fast-evolving operational environment.

“TSB remains committed to offering high-quality banking services in branches across Scotland. We are also introducing mobile advisers to ensure we look after vulnerable customers and those in rural locations.

“We are working to ensure the transition towards digital – which is being seen right across the economy – is handled sensitively and pragmatically for our colleagues and customers.”

To sign the petition, visit the Change.org page.