MP seeks meeting with bank to discuss Ellon branch closure plans
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Gordon MP Richard Thomson is seeking a meeting with bosses at Virgin Money after the bank announced plans to close its Ellon branch at the end of November.
The former Clydesdale Bank branch – which opened as the North of Scotland Bank in 1877 – occupies a prime location in the centre of the town.
In a letter to the local MP, Richie Lovell, public affairs manager for Virgin Money said the decision to close the branch is based on a number of factors, including footfall, transaction volumes and the number of potentially vulnerable customers in the area.
He advised that careful consideration is given to the impact on the local area, as well as the needs of vulnerable customers and the accessibility of alternative services such as free-to-use ATMs and Post Offices.
Mr Thomson said: “This is extremely disappointing for Ellon town centre and for customers served by this branch which, following numerous other branch closures in recent years, extends to an area far greater than just Ellon.
"For similar reasons, the planned closure of the bank’s branch in Turriff will also impact much more widely than just Turriff and I’ll be working with councillors in these areas to look at solutions.
“Sadly, this seems to be the direction of travel for all high street banks these days, with a steady push by all the banks to drive customers online bearing much responsibility.
“There are questions around the future use of such a prominent site and also assurances required about alternative facilities.
"It’s fine to say that people can use the Post Office instead, but several high street banks have recently cut the daily limits on cash deposits which can be made by their customers at Post Offices.
“For these reasons, I’ll be seeking a meeting with bosses at Virgin Money in early course.”
