High street banks have been accused of “abandoning” Dumfries and Galloway communities.
Lloyds Banking Group has announced it is to close Bank of Scotland branches in Annan, Thornhill, Moffat and Sanquhar over the next 14 months.
That comes on the back of already planned closures of the Newton Stewart and Langholm outlets as more people switch to online banking.
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: “The relentless abandoning of communities by our High Street banks continues and it will soon be the case that all areas outwith the very biggest towns and cities simply won’t have a bank.
“While banks point to falling footfall, they fail to mention that they drive this including Bank of Scotland, by removing services from branches and forcing customers to access more and more them online or by phoning a call centre.
“I welcome the UK Government’s commitment to roll-out more banking hubs but unfortunately it is coming too late for many communities which have become banking deserts. Action to provide alternatives should have been pursued years ago by the previous government.
“As well as an impact on customers, it is important to remember these decisions will also lead to job losses and my thoughts are very much with those affected. While the banks say staff can be relocated, opportunities for this to happen locally are very limited.”
Dumfries and Galloway is already home to a banking hub – where people are able to access some bank services regardless of who their provider is Kirkcudbright.
Others could be created in Newton Stewart and Annan to make up for the closures.
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper said: “While some assurances have been given regarding deposit and cash access services, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of this closure on members of the community who rely on these services. This includes many older people who do not use online banking services. I am also concerned that the mobile banking hubs which are referenced are not always fully accessible – forcing people to bank on the street.
“I am urgently seeking a meeting with the Bank of Scotland to understand the impact of this decision on my constituents. I welcome constituents contacting me on this matter at any time.”
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A spokeswoman for Lloyds Banking Group said: “Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking.
“Alongside our apps, customers can also use telephone banking, visit a community banker or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch, giving access to many more branches.
“Customers can also do their everyday banking at more than 11,000 branches of the Post Office or in a banking hub.”