A campaign to stop a bank branch closure in Glasgow has been taken to the House of Commons.
Bank of Scotland is planning to shut the Pollokshields branch on Albert Drive next month.
The plan has been met with opposition from people in the area prompting Alison Thewliss, SNP MP, to present a petition to the UK parliament.
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The Glasgow Central MP said the branch closure would have an impact on many people in the community and the area in general.
Unless there is a change in the bank’s plans the branch will shut for good on July 27.
Thewliss said: “My constituents have made their voices heard by the number of signatures in this petition. This branch means so much to so many, and it would be a tragedy to see it close.
“The Albert Drive branch is an anchor on this busy street, used by residents, businesses, and local organisations.
“Albert Drive has been affected by two significant fires in recent years, so the loss of this branch is particularly disappointing.”
The petition states the proposed closure “will have a detrimental effect on local communities and the local economy”.
It adds: “This closure would negatively affect the large elderly population in the area, alongside those from ethnic minority backgrounds who prefer to transact in cash and deal with people they know.”
Tabassum Niamat, Pollokshields resident, who started the change.org petition, said: “ "Another blow to Pollokshields and further proof that ordinary people are never factored into these decisions. We are there to bail out banks or make up for the mismanagement of our taxes but we are never afforded the same.
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The MP added: “I ask that Bank of Scotland and the UK Government take into account the concerns of petitioners and take whatever steps they can to halt the planned closure of this much valued local branch.”
Jon Molyneux Green, councillor also backed the petition.
He said: “I’m not naïve and understand that the nature of banking is changing and that much more can be done online - but not everyone can use digital services easily.
“I also think it’s a disgrace that these decisions are made in the interests of rich and distant shareholders without even the decency of consulting with the communities which have sustained their business over many years and now risk being hollowed-out and disadvantaged by them.”
In a closing branch review, Bank of Scotland said: “Like many other high street businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.
“We’re responding to the way our customers use our branches. We’ll continue to invest in our branch network, but we have to make sure our branches are where customers need and use them most.
“As a result, we've made the difficult decision to close this branch due to customers using it less often. In addition, the majority of customers are also using alternative ways to bank and we have another branch close by.”
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