Lanark's Clydesdale bank to be closed

Five members of staff - full-time and part-time - work in Lanark, and a spokesman for the Clydesdale said that all staff would be offered the opportunity to relocate to another branch.

Customers’ accounts will automatically be transferred to the bank’s Almada Street branch, Hamilton.

Steve Fletcher from Clydesdale Bank said: “I understand this will not be welcome news for those who use these particular branches.

“These are difficult decisions but ones we must face as we try to keep up with the pace of change in the way people want to bank. We have to balance our investment to ensure we support demand where it is greatest, across mobile, online and branch services.”

Lanark councillor Ed Archer is angry at the loss of the service, and has set up a website to rally support for the branch. That calls on the bank to reverse its decision; the public can ‘sign’ his call at www.saveclydesdalebanklanark.co.uk/

Aileen Campbell, who was SNP MSP for Clydesdale and is standing again, has written to the bank seeking a meeting, and assurances about the impact on staff and service.

“This is a disappointing decision that will be a setback to efforts to revitalise the town centre and will cause significant disruption for Clydesdale customers, including many local businesses,” she said.

“If elected I will work with other local representatives towards limiting the impact of this closure on Lanark.”