Last week the Lloyds Banking Group, who operate the Bank of Scotland, decided to close branches in Duns, Eyemouth, Jedburgh and Newcastleton.
In response, I requested an urgent meeting with the bank.
I met with Bank of Scotland officials on Tuesday afternoon to voice strong opposition to their plans to close four branches in Duns, Eyemouth, Jedburgh and Newcastleton between October 2023 and February 2024.
But, unfortunately, the bank refused to change the decision. They did offer to provide a new community bank official somewhere in Jedburgh for a few hours each fortnight, but that's not good enough.
The Bank of Scotland is betraying loyal customers who rely on access to in-person cash services.
I have passed on all questions from constituents and demanded that the bank responds to each point.
I am very unhappy about the bank's lack of commitment to the Borders, the small towns of Scotland and rural communities.
Apparently 1 in 4 people who use these branches do not currently access other forms of banking, such as internet or phone banking.
What are they supposed to do now?
The bank does not seem to care, which is extremely disappointing.
