A GLASGOW community is backing calls to save its Santander branch after the banking giant announced plans to axe hundreds of stores.

The Spanish-owned firm's Springburn and Parkhead branches are among 140 outlets set to shut.

MPs in the city claim banking services in poorer communities need to be protected.

Now, SNP councillor Christina Cannon has launched a petition to stop the Springburn closure.

She said: "Santander are closing 15 branches in Scotland, including the branch in Springburn Shopping Centre.

"The closure is due on 20th June 2019. This will affect staff and residents who use their local branch and will have a detrimental impact on the local shopping centre.

"Once again, the communities who need local banking the most are being subjected to closures.

"Please sign the petition to help stop this."

More than 300 residents have signed her change.org petition so far.

Santander say one of the reasons for the decision is the growth of customers using the internet and mobile phones for banking.

However, in Springburn, more than half of its customers (51%) have not used mobile or internet banking. In Parkhead, it is similar with 49% not using the net for banking.

Responding to the petition, Maureen McAdam said: "There are many people using the branch who don't all have access to computers, laptops and phones for online banking.

"Not everyone has relatives, or neighbours, able to give help with banking.

"Not everyone trusts other people to do their banking for them. We need a local bank!"

Donna Henderson said: "This is a vital service in the community.

"There is always customers in and I was going to be opening an account in the branch. Too many deprived areas are left without banks and it's just not good enough."

And Alison Kerr said: "Many people rely on these branches as they don’t have access to online banking/may not want to use online or are elderly/infirm.

"Having to travel into town or the nearest area isn’t suitable especially for people carrying cash on them to deposit or withdraw."

After the announcement, Susan Allen, Santander's head of retail and business banking, said: "The way our customers are choosing to bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years, with more and more customers using online and mobile channels.

"As a result, we have had to take some very difficult decisions over our less-visited branches, and those where we have other branches in close proximity."