As the Rutherglen West branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland prepares to close it doors for the final time, customers are being urged to consider joining a credit union in the town.
Despite a stay-of-execution the RBS branch in Main Street will cease operations on Tuesday, November 19.
Initially, the branch was scheduled for closure in September, but two weeks beforehand it was announced there would be a delay to allow a review to take place, in the light of new legislation aimed to protect access to cash in communities.
However, customers hopes were dashed when at the end of October RBS confirmed a closure date for this month.
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, who had discussions with the bank about the proposal, labelled the decision to close a “disgrace”.
And now, with the closure just days away and the next-nearest RBS branches in Parkhead, Shawlands or Glasgow city centre, Thistle Credit Union is highlighting its own services right on the doorsteps of people living in the town.
The credit union opened a new branch at Rutherglen Exchange last year, as well as having others elsewhere in Lanarkshire including Hamilton and Blantyre, with the latter maybe better positioned for people living in some areas such as Halfway or Westburn.
The credit union is also offering new Christmas loans to help members save for next year, by including a payment to their savings account as part of the repayment agreement. This can help people break the cycle of borrowing and improve their financial security.
Robyn Lochrie-Brown, Marketing Officer at Thistle Credit Union, said: “We’re trying to increase footfall at our branches and trying to reach people who may not know about the credit union. We offer low interest and affordable loans, and we’re a very good, ethical option for people who may need some financial help.
“It’s recommended that you save with us for at least eight weeks before you apply for a loan, but you can save as little or as much as you want. Our only requirement is that you have a minimum of £5 in your account at any given time.”
Credit Unions are not for profit, member owned financial co-operatives but Robyn believes there are still some misconceptions about them and their services in general.
She continued: “A lot of people are surprised when they find out what a credit union actually is. Our products can help a lot of people, everyone can benefit from a credit union.
“We keep our branches open so that people can physically come in and bank in-person. Not everyone has access to a smart phone and not everyone trusts internet banking, and that’s particularly true for some of the elderly in the community.
“You can also manage your account online, on our mobile app, or you can phone in and we can transfer money for you.
“I still prefer to go into a branch and bank in-person, that way you can speak with someone and talk things through with them if you need to.”
With traditional bank branches closing the credit union believes that its commitment to keeping its own branches open and as accessible as possible has never been more important.
Aaron Kerr, CEO of the credit union said: “Thistle Credit Union is dedicated to supporting our members and the community by providing an accessible, people-focused financial service. Keeping our branches open is a key part of our commitment to delivering options of digital and in-person support that helps local people to thrive”.
The Rutherglen branch is open four days a week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – from 10am to 1pm. The Blantyre branch opens at the same time on these days but stays open until 3pm with the exception of Fridays (2pm).
The Hamilton branch is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.
More information is available at: https://thistlecu.co.uk/
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