Richard Lochhead MSP has sought an urgent meeting with TSB over plans to close its branch in Forres.
TSB confirmed in a letter to Moray’s MSP that it will close the bank in Forres in April 2022 citing a reduction in footfall as its reason.
Mr Lochhead has urged TSB to reconsider its plans to close its bank in Forres and has sought an urgent meeting to discuss the impact any closure would have on the local community.
He said: “Plans to close the TSB branch in Forres will come as a blow to the local community and will leave the town with just one remaining bank.
“Communities in Moray have had more than their fair share of bank closures over the years and I know that TSB customers in Forres will be deeply disappointed to hear their local branch is set to close its doors for good in April next year.
“I have written urgently to the Chief Executive of TSB seeking a meeting to discuss the future of the Forres branch and have urged the company to reconsider this decision.
“Rural towns and communities across Moray feel abandoned by the big banks and sadly, this decision will hit vulnerable people the hardest – many of whom won’t be in a position to travel to access services elsewhere or to simply move their banking online.
“It is completely unacceptable that we’re getting to a situation where the only branches left locally are in Elgin. Banks need to step up and find a way to protect banking services in rural communities and if the banks continue to do nothing, then the UK Government must act to ensure that people in communities like Forres can access the vital services they need.”
