On Friday 16 December a small group of concerned elected politicians and local community council chairmen met to discuss the threatened closure of the Juniper Green Branch of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The group had received unsatisfactory answers to their questions from officials at RBS so would seek further clarification of issues raised by many residents in the valley communities of Balerno, Colinton, Currie and Juniper Green. The prospect of no banking in these communities would affect the elderly, vulnerable, community, business groups and those sceptical that online banking is either secure or practical for their needs. The mantra from RBS is … go to the local POs, visit our branch in Corstorphine, use our ATM at Hunter’s Tryst or be educated by our team of online experts.
The group, now comprising Vic Stewart, Gordon MacDonald MSP, Allister McKillop, Gordon Lindhurst MSP, Councillor Ricky Henderson, Richard Henderson, Joanna Cherry MP and Cliff Beevers, will adopt a twin track approach. Firstly, they will probe more thoroughly the RBS decision to close the only remaining banking facility in the upper valley communities of the Water of Leith. Secondly, feelers will be put out to investigate alternative solutions for financial services in our communities. In addition, we will be appealing to our business community to discover what the loss of face to face banking means for them. The group plans to meet again in the early New Year. In the meantime, we would appreciate any ideas, suggestions or courses of action you wish to put forward by contacting [email protected], but don’t be discouraged and have a good Christmas.
Cliff Beevers, on behalf of the working group.
The group, now comprising Vic Stewart, Gordon MacDonald MSP, Allister McKillop, Gordon Lindhurst MSP, Councillor Ricky Henderson, Richard Henderson, Joanna Cherry MP and Cliff Beevers, will adopt a twin track approach. Firstly, they will probe more thoroughly the RBS decision to close the only remaining banking facility in the upper valley communities of the Water of Leith. Secondly, feelers will be put out to investigate alternative solutions for financial services in our communities. In addition, we will be appealing to our business community to discover what the loss of face to face banking means for them. The group plans to meet again in the early New Year. In the meantime, we would appreciate any ideas, suggestions or courses of action you wish to put forward by contacting [email protected], but don’t be discouraged and have a good Christmas.
Cliff Beevers, on behalf of the working group.
