LAST week I met with the Clydesdale Bank to discuss their misguided decision to close its local branches in Alloa and Tillicoultry.

Following on from the recent branch closure in Dollar, if the bank goes ahead with this decision it would leave this once great institution of Scottish banking without any branches in Clackmannanshire.

Over the past fortnight I’ve received a steady stream of phone calls and messages from constituents who are customers of the branch, and for whom the decision will have a negative impact.

While I understand that these days many customers chose to use online or phone banking, a face to face service remains vital for many customers, especially for those without the access or experience to be able to take advantage of modern technology. Often, it will be those who need most help who will be hardest hit by this short-sighted decision.

That’s why I’ve asked the bank to reconsider.

During our meeting in Parliament I went through the many messages of concern and protest with the bank, and impressed on them the huge strength of feeling there is in these communities on the issue. It amazes me that rather than using its newly independent status as a way to bolster the reputation of the Clydesdale, this decision by their management team appears to be fast turning into a PR disaster, which is quickly undermining their business.

I don’t think it’s too late for them to reconsider, rescuing their reputation and retaining their previously loyal customer base.

I should be really clear that many local customers have pointed out the fantastic service that local staff provide in both these branches, and that this has continued even in these very difficult circumstances.

I know that despite the threat to their own futures these staff have continued to work hard to help Clackmannanshire customers find an appropriate alternative to counter banking, but the fact remains that travelling to the nearest alternative branches in Stirling or Dunfermline is inconvenient for most and impossible for some, especially for those already scraping to get by on low incomes.

In the last fortnight I’ve put down a parliamentary motion and questioned the UK government on this issue. I’ve been keen to work with other local representatives show a united front to the bank, so I’m glad that Keith Brown MSP will be able to follow up my initial meeting with them at Holyrood this week.

But I know what will make the biggest impact of all is the fantastic work carried out by the community themselves in mobilising support for the service, and getting over two thousand signatures of support to petitions to save the branches and preserve these vital local banking facilities.

The Clydesdale should be under no illusions that we’ll keep the pressure on. It’s still not too late for them to make the right decision.