Banffshire residents call for return of mobile banking services
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The Royal Bank of Scotland has given an assurance to Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson that they intend a return to mobile banking services soon.
Mr Stevenson had written to RBS seeking an update on plans to reintroduce mobile banking services to communities in the area.
RBS suspended mobile banking services in March due to coronavirus, however, customers in Banff and Buckie have been in touch with the MSP looking for answers as to when they will be able to access services again locally.
Customers in areas where the bank branch was closed down all rely on the mobile bank to access services in their local community and Mr Stevenson sought clarity from the bank on when these services will resume.
Mr Stevenson said: “Access to banking services is vital for local businesses and residents, particularly those who are unable to use online banking and no longer have a branch in their community.
“The decision to withdraw mobile banking services when we went into lockdown was taken to protect customers and staff, and I think everyone would agree that was the right thing to do.
“But as businesses are now starting to reopen, and restrictions are being lifted, many constituents are keen to get clarity on when banking services will return to their community. Bank services are essential and it is vital that people in our rural communities are able to access these services again as soon as possible.”
In a response to Mr Stevenson, RBS said: “We are in the process of making changes to our mobile banks so that they are Covid secure and ensure that social distancing can be maintained for colleagues and customers.
"Once the changes are completed and tested we intend to progress with a phased return of our mobile bank services.”
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