East Lothian Labour
Labour’s three Preston, Seton & Gosford candidates have reacted angrily to the Royal Bank of Scotland’s haste in trying to sell the recently closed branch in Prestonpans.
The decision by RBS to close the last remaining Bank in Prestonpans last August was condemned by all local politicians, local businesses and community groups and many RBS customers closed their accounts in protest.
At the time the bank indicated they would be open to reviewing the decision but that lifeline has been shattered following the bank recently erecting a sign on the bank indicating that the building would be ‘coming to the market soon’.
East Lothian Council Leader and local councillor Willie Innes held a meeting with senior RBS managers after the council unanimously supported his call for the bank to review its decision given that East Lothian is one of the fastest growing regions in Scotland.
Councillor Innes commented:
“When I met with RBS representatives last summer they indicated that they were open to review the branch closure and take account of the impact it might have on customers and the RBS branches in Tranent and Musselburgh. To put the ‘for sale’ sign up less than 6 months after the closure makes a mockery of that review.”
Former MP Fiona O’Donnell added:
“RBS was rescued by Gordon Brown’s Labour Government and the UK taxpayer and their decision to close the last bank in Prestonpans has affected RBS customers across the Preston, Seton and Gosford ward. It has also added enormous pressure on staff in Tranent and Musselburgh and all RBS customers are getting a far poorer service since the Prestonpans branch closed its doors.”
Prestonpans Labour party Chairman Brian Weddell commented:
“The local Labour Party collected over 1,000 signatures from Prestonpans businesses and local people asking RBS to keep our local bank open but their views were completely ignored. This is just another example of corporate business paying lip service to the loyal customers who pay their wages.”