RESIDENTS are not happy with the recent announcement of the closure of the RBS branches in Troon, Prestwick and Girvan.

It is claimed that the banks will close Wednesday, October 4 after the increase of customers relying more on technology and more convenient ways to bank.

According to RBS banking figures, since 2011, it seen the number of transactions in the Girvan branch decline by 17 per cent, Prestwick by 32 per cent and Troon by 34 per cent.

Local MSPs and councillors of the affected areas have lashed out against the banks shutting down.

MP for Central Ayrshire, Dr Philippa Whitford, wrote to the RBS seeking a meeting to discuss its decision is to close its branches in Prestwick and Troon. 

Dr Whitford, said: “The closures announced by the RBS are an extremely worrying development, especially coming so soon on the back of the closure of the Clydesdale Bank‘s Prestwick branch and the news that both the Clydesdale Bank and TSB are set to close their branches in Troon.

“Whilst I appreciate that the nature of how many of us do our banking is changing with a large increase in the use of online and mobile services, internet and remote banking does not suit everyone. In particular, it is not always suitable for older people, who may be less comfortable with computers and mobile technology, or those without good internet access.

“Many people still value their high street banks and it is especially important for many small businesses to have quick, personal access to services such as cash deposit and coin exchange.

“I understand that all the banks which have announced closures recently have made arrangements with local Post Offices to provide some services on their behalf; however, this will not provide the same level of service for those who prefer to do their banking in person and it is likely that there will be increasing pressure with longer queues at busy periods.

“I hope to discuss in a meeting with RBS, the prospect of more direct replacement services, such as their mobile van service, traditionally used in more rural areas, and seek assurances on the longevity of the arrangements with Post Office.

“I will seek assurances over the future of the staff at these branches in the hope that any redundancies can be kept to an absolute minimum and that transfers to other branches or other parts of the Bank are made available where possible.”

MSP Brian Whittle has hit out at RBS following the announcement as well.

He highlighted in the Scottish Parliament that the move was likely to disproportionally affect older people and people with disabilities who are often less able to travel to more distant branches.

He said: “I’m hugely disappointed by Royal Bank of Scotland’s decision to close these branches. How can RBS justify saying that because some of their customers are choosing to use digital banking, the ones who don’t should be seriously disadvantaged?

"For many of the bank’s customers in places like Girvan and Cumnock, particularly those who rely on public transport, getting to another branch isn’t a simple or quick matter. 

"This decision puts people who aren’t comfortable with digital banking or who, for whatever reason, can’t access it, at a real disadvantage. 

"RBS has a responsibility to provide an accessible service to all of its customers and these branch closures will compromise that. 

"I have real concerns that these closures are driven by a need to cut costs rather than any interest in providing a better service for RBS customers."

Additionally, Councillor Alec Clark added his say about the bank closure.

He said: "The bank In Girvan is the bank that claims to be a caring bank, a listening bank, Scotland's bank. 

"This is a bank whose senior area manager told me that they would be providing a Mobile service to the village of Girvan. 

"I had to point out that the village she spoke about just happened to be a town of nearly 9000 residents that serves a number of small to medium size villages in the South Carrick district of Ayrshire. 

"Some of these villages have no broadband connection to speak of and are dependent on being able to use a full counter service branch. 

"Many older residents do not have computer access and again are dependent on accessing their local branch including those who have their state pension paid in to the bank. 

"There will now be no branches open from Newton Stewart to Ayr or Stranraer to Ayr. 

"Prestwick, Troon and other Ayrshire branches are going the same way and all of this will also mean staff redundancies. 

"The bank that says it cares and listens needs to live up to its name or it will be in danger of following in to the abyss and doing untold damage to the reputation of the country."