Cumnock: Bank of Scotland branch to close this week

The Lloyds Banking Group announced last year that it planned to close the Bank of Scotland branch on Townhead Street.

Lloyds came in for heavy criticism after saying the decision was taken because the number of customers at the branch is falling, with members of the public claiming the group was deliberately discouraging people from banking in person. 

An initial closure date had been set for February 12, 2024, but that was later pushed back until May 29, and then again until the end of June.

READ MORE: Cumnock bank closure date is pushed back for a second time

The bank will now finally close on Wednesday, June 26, with the move being described as "disappointing".

The latest delay was to give enough time for the town's banking hub to be set up.

The hub has been up and running at Cumnock's library since May, though that is only a temporary home for the service.

READ MORE: Cumnock banking hub opens in preparation for final branch closure

Specialist advisers for different banks are present at the hub on different days, although customers from all banks can use the facility on any day it's open.

Local politicians and councillors had voiced their concerns over the planned closure, but it wasn't enough to reverse the decision.

No jobs are set to be at risk following the closure, but the nearest branches to Cumnock will now be located in Ayr and Kilmarnock, each of which is 15 miles away.

The Bank of Scotland said it spoke with the town's MP and MSP, local councillors and East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau to understand the effect the close would have.

South Scotland MSP, Sharon Dowey, who has spoken about the closure in the past, has said that customers have been mistreated with the closure of bank branches.

Not too long ago, Cumnock had four bank branches, with the Bank of Scotland on Townhead Street, TSB on Townhead Street, Clydesdale Bank on The Square and the Royal Bank of Scotland on Glaisnock Street.

Sharon Dowey said: ""I am extremely disappointed to see the closure of yet another bank branch in the local area. It is completely unacceptable.

"Local people need quick and reliable access to banking services. It's particularly important that small businesses and elderly people can access cash when they need it.

"Big banks have treated loyal customers very badly by shutting so many branches. I am campaigning to fight these closures and to get better access to cash services, which are still so vital for many people."

MSP, Sharon Dowey has been against the move. (Image: NQ Archive)

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist representative added: “While the opening of a Banking Hub in Cumnock is of course a welcome improvement on having no service whatsoever, it is also essential that the many elderly and vulnerable people who rely on in-person services are not simply left behind.

"We all understand that people increasingly use online banking these days, but there are still a significant number of individuals and businesses that rely on physical branches.

"In addition to this, given the rising prevalence of phone and internet scams, I completely understand many people’s concerns and their reliance on safe in-person services.”

“I will continue to engage with all relevant parties to ensure that residents in our small towns and rural communities are able to easily access in-person banking services.”

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham, said the closure was a sign of the increasingly online world we now live in, but insisted she would make sure constituents who prefer to do their banking in person were properly supported.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham (Image: NQ Archive)

Ms Whitham said: “I would like to thank all of the staff at the Bank of Scotland branch in Cumnock for their service to our community.

“With the rise of online and mobile banking, we know that physical bank branches are being used less.

"But I have been passionate about making sure the needs of rural communities and those who still rely on in-person banking are met.

“The Banking Hub, which is temporarily operating from Cumnock Library, is being well received as it allows for in-person banking for a variety of banks.

"I believe this is a game changer and it is imperative it finds a permanent premises as soon as possible.”