Local Labour campaigners opposing plans to close the RBS branch on Prestonpans High Street have been given a boost after receiving the backing of Ian Murray MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr Murray has signed the local party’s petition against the closure plans and spoken out against the bank’s decision to close the branch.

Speaking about his support for the campaign, Ian Murray MP said:

“I’m very pleased to support this campaign against plans to close the RBS branch on Prestonpans High Street. Banks are a vital part of the mix of businesses on any high street, so losing this last branch would clearly be a big blow for the town. RBS and other banks have a responsibility to their customers and local communities and I hope they will rethink their decision to close this branch and others across Scotland.”

Councillor Willie Innes, who was back on the High Street on Saturday collecting petition signatures from local residents, said:

“Ian’s support is very welcome indeed. Receiving the backing of the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland is a real boost for the campaign and demonstrates how Labour representatives at all levels are fighting to keep this branch open. We know we’re not alone in facing a branch closure, with communities up and down Scotland facing the same threat. We hope that what we’re doing can encourage others to campaign to keep their branches open too.”

The branch’s petition now has close to 1000 signatures either in hard copies or online.

Hard copies of the petition are available from Prestonpans Labour Club.

The online version can be found at www.change.org/p/rbs-petition-against-the-closure-of-prestonpans-rbs-branch