Local MSP Jackie Baillie has urged the Royal Bank of Scotland to rethink its plans to close a branch in Alexandria later this year.

The bank announced this week that it would close the Mitchell Way branch on 15 August 2016.

However Jackie has written to RBS calling for the plans to be halted until it completes a full consultation with customers.

Commenting following the announcement, Jackie said:

“This closure announcement flies in the face of the  TV ads which proudly boast about Royal Bank of Scotland’s commitment to local communities. I have asked RBS to press the pause button on their plans until the bank holds a full consultation with customers in the Vale of Leven.

“This decision is also short-sighted given the recently announced town centre regeneration plans. West Dunbartonshire Council’s plans to redevelop Mitchell Way and Lomond Galleries will bring new shops and businesses to Alexandria, creating new jobs and increasing footfall in the town centre. It is disappointing that RBS seems to have overlooked the future potential of Alexandria at the very same moment as other big name brands are looking to move to the area.”

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