Nearly half of the banks in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock have closed since 2015, new figures show.

Analysis from Which? has shown a sharp decline in the number of bank branches open in areas across much of the UK compared to seven years ago.

According to figures up to the end of April, eight banks have been shuttered in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock since the start of 2015, leaving nine remaining in the area.

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Separate figures from LINK, a cash machine network, show there has also been a decline in the number of free-to-use ATMs across the UK in recent years.

Their data shows that between the start of 2018 and early March this year, the number of ATMs in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock dropped from 130 to 88.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans said: “Since 2010, the number of Banks across Ayrshire has dropped from 80 to 30 with a further closure of the Bank of Scotland in Troon in September 2020.

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“The continuing bank closures, access to banking facilities and cash dispensers particularly affects the lowest paid, elderly and those who do not have access to the internet and online banking

“These cuts also affect small businesses, reducing productivity by requiring long journeys to banks and making it difficult to manage cash flow.

“I have written to the Chancellor on behalf of my constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock on the urgent need to protect the banking and cash networks for the many who still rely upon it and will continue to campaign to prevent any further bank closures.

“The increasing use of online banking and contactless payments have led to concerns some will be left behind, or unable to access key services.”