TSB promises a banking hub in Huntly when it closes its branch in The Square next month.
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THE TSB has agreed to open a banking advisors hub in Huntly when it closes its branch in The Square next month.
Customers were faced with a 60 mile round trip to do their banking but negotiations by local people and backed by Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett has led to the decision by TSB bosses to establish a weekly hub in Orbs Community Bookshop.
The bookshop is due to re-locate into the former RBS building but that plan is on hold until lockdown restrictions are eased.
TSB had planned to open the hub in Huntly on Wednesday, February 24. Similar hubs are planned in Alford and Aboyne.
A spokesman for TSB said: "The new lockdown means it will not be possible to launch these services as planned as most of the third party locations are closed. We will continue to keep this under review as restrictions evolve.
"The mobile advisors, who would have been delivering the service will be working from neighbouring branches, operating a similar local service by telephone, providing direct support to the vulnerable customers most likely to use the mobile adviser service. We will move to launch these services as soon as restrictions allow and will be in touch to confirm dates as soon as we have them.”
Mr Burnett, has welcomed confirmation by TSB but says it is vital that the opening date is properly communicated.
He said: “It’s essential this hub remains a permanent part of Huntly. I’m glad the bank has taken on board the issues raised when I met bosses in October because it’s vital TSB doesn’t entirely move from bricks to clicks.
"Face-to-face contact will be important to many following a period of isolation.
“The coronavirus pandemic has meant banks are playing an even larger role in the day-to-day lives of residents who are also having to adapt to new ways of working.
“This is why I will make sure the bank properly communicates the Huntly opening date with customers to ensure they aren’t left short changed by not knowing when these services are available.”
