CLYDESDALE and Yorkshire Banks are to close almost 30 "unsustainable" branches and then invest £45million in customer improvements.

Six "flagship" branches, including the head office in Glasgow, will be developed, as well as improved mobile and internet banking services.

The Clydesdale branches which will close before the end of the year include Govanhill and Bothwell.

David Thorburn, chief executive of Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank, said: "No branch closure is welcomed by customers or staff.

"I understand that, which is why we are working to minimise the effects these changes have on them.

"Our resources must now be focused on where they can deliver the best results for customers, moving with them as their demands change.

"A branch network remains at the core of what we do, and we are investing in it.

"But we must balance that against the investment we need to make in the services customers now expect and are using more - online and mobile banking services that give customers control of their finances when and where they want it most."

Clydesdale and Yorkshire, part of National Australia Bank, said it will save £5 million by the branch closures. Frontline jobs will be safeguarded.

New posts are being created at the banks' busiest branches, while support will be given to displaced branch managers.

Unite union national officer Rob Macgregor, said: "Unite will oppose compulsory redundancies. We expect the company to do everything possible to make redeployment an option and allow workers to move to neighbouring branches wherever possible."

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk