Following the announcement by RBS of their decision to close the Juniper Green branch in June 2017, the community councils for Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno have been discussing with elected councillors snd parliamentarians what options may be open to ensure continuation of face to face banking services in the Water of Leith Valley. The group met for the third time on Friday 3rd February and issued the following statement:-
"With the collapse of the Airdrie Savings Bank and the wholesale closures from other major banks it will be difficult to stem our own personal tide of bank closures which has seen RBS close Balerno, Riccarton and Colinton branches and HBoS close its office in Currie over the last couple of years. However, the campaign group are undaunted and are pursuing four lines of action:
Applying pressure on RBS to provide a mobile van service for our communities
Discussing with RBS minimum requirements for banking services as part of the access to banking protocol
Investigating the Scottish Government suggested solution of a combination of post office and credit union; and
Seeking an alternative provider to come into the space vacated at the abandoned toilet site in Juniper Green.
We remain concerned for:
The elderly who are unable to adopt an online form of banking
Our vulnerable citizens who require additional support for day to day living
Our business community who will find it inconvenient to deal with daily takings using alternative arrangements;
The community groups who need to take coinage in and out for events in our communities; and
Those who do not trust the online version of banking as security rmains an issue for many.
We welcome any further comments you may have to sustain our efforts.
Comments can be made by phone to Cliff Beevers on 0131 453 4517 or by email to c.e.beevers@blueyonder.co.uk or chair@junipergreencc.org.uk and we’ll keep you posted on any progress."
Join the conversation on Bank Closures by posting online at Balerno Business Forum.
Applying pressure on RBS to provide a mobile van service for our communities
Discussing with RBS minimum requirements for banking services as part of the access to banking protocol
Investigating the Scottish Government suggested solution of a combination of post office and credit union; and
Seeking an alternative provider to come into the space vacated at the abandoned toilet site in Juniper Green.
We remain concerned for:
The elderly who are unable to adopt an online form of banking
Our vulnerable citizens who require additional support for day to day living
Our business community who will find it inconvenient to deal with daily takings using alternative arrangements;
The community groups who need to take coinage in and out for events in our communities; and
Those who do not trust the online version of banking as security rmains an issue for many.
We welcome any further comments you may have to sustain our efforts.
Comments can be made by phone to Cliff Beevers on 0131 453 4517 or by email to c.e.beevers@blueyonder.co.uk or chair@junipergreencc.org.uk and we’ll keep you posted on any progress."
Join the conversation on Bank Closures by posting online at Balerno Business Forum.