Angela Crawley MP has called on Santander to undertake an urgent “re-think” over the planned closure of their Lanark branch.

It was announced today that Santander plan to close local branches across the country, including Aberdeen, Alloa, Bathgate, Brechin, Edinburgh, Forfar, Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Lanark, Renfrew, St Andrews, and Troon.

This is just the latest round of bank closures to hit communities across Scotland. Since 2015 more than 230 bank branches have been shut or marked for closure and research suggests that local branches are closing faster in Scotland than any other part of the UK.

Santander intend to close 140 branches, putting almost 1,300 jobs at risk. The branches are due to close throughout the year, with the first Scottish closure scheduled for 2 May 2019.

A group of SNP MSPs and MPs have written to Santander’s Head of Retail and Business Banking, to ask for an urgent review of the planned closures.

Commenting, Angela said:

“This is deeply concerning news which will come as a shock to many of my constituents who rely on Santander’s Lanark branch.

“Bank closures are not just an inconvenience – every one of these branches is hugely important to the community it serves.  

“People and businesses depend on the face-to-face service they get in these branches, especially those who are elderly, vulnerable, or live in rural areas.

“I will pursue every avenue available to save these banks. Santander must urgently re-think their plans to close the Lanark branch.”

ENDS