By CATRIONA STEWART

COUNCIL bosses are demanding a summit with Royal Bank of Scotland over branch closure plans.

East Dunbartonshire Council wants the banking giant to rethink plans to close its branch in Bishopbriggs.

Senior Council officers hope to meet representatives of the bank to discuss the implications of the closure for employees, customers and the town centre.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said: “We are contacting RBS as a matter of urgency with a view to discussing its decision to close the Bishopbriggs branch on October 4 2017.

“As well as providing employment in Bishopbriggs, the branch offers banking facilities to individuals and businesses, and provides key services within the town centre.

“We will be contacting RBS to ask what provisions are being put in place for employees and customers - particularly those who do not have access to online or mobile banking facilities.”

The move comes after RBS announced it is to close five Glasgow branches: Alexandra Parade, Anniesland Cross, Burnside, Crosshill and Govan branches will close in September.

Bosses said the fact increasing numbers of customers are banking online means branches are being made redundant.

Overall, more than 150 Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest branches are to close with hundreds of job losses.

The decision will affect 30 RBS and 128 NatWest branches and hit around 470 jobs.

BRS said customers are increasingly banking online and counter transactions are dwindling.

A statement from RBS said mobile and online transactions have increased by more than 400 per cent and mobile transactions have increased by 1350 per cent.

Mr Glen added: “While we appreciate the way people bank is changing, we also appreciate that some customers - particularly older people - may not be comfortable or familiar with online and mobile banking.

“In addition, we would be seeking clarification from RBS on the future for its building in Bishopbriggs, given its prominent location in the town

centre.”

The banking chain, which includes Yorkshire Bank, announced the move on the same day that Airdrie Savings Bank announced it was to close for good after 182 years.

Branches to be closed include Aikenhead Road, Bath Street, Charing Cross, Bearsden, Bellshill, Cambuslang and Giffnock.

A spokesman for RBS said: “We are following the Access to Banking protocol and we have made the decision after careful consideration of a wide range of factors, including regular branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us.”