A MEETING could be set up in a hope to give a Haddington bank “a stay of execution”.

TSB announced last week that it planned to close nine branches across Scotland, including one in East Lothian.

The move, which has come under fire from councillors and members of the community, will leave the bank with just one branch in the county, in Musselburgh.

A spokesperson for the banking business has already confirmed that the Haddington TSB branch, on Court Street, will close on September 5.

READ MORE: Haddington's TSB branch to close its doors later this year

Haddington’s councillors were united in their disappointment at the announcement, while Craig Hoy, a former councillor for the town and now a South Scotland MSP, has called for a meeting with TSB representatives.

Councillor George McGuire said: “It is quite sad the demise of the banks in the high streets in our towns and cities.

“If that goes, it only leaves [Haddington] with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of Scotland, and how long before they go?

“I know Craig Hoy has asked for a meeting with the bank and other people but, for me, it is another sad day that one of the major banks is leaving.”

Councillor Tom Trotter, a fellow Haddington and Lammermuir ward member, described the upcoming closure as “very disappointing” and feared it would be difficult to change the bank’s mind.

He said: “It is a facility that is going to be missed by many and unfortunately they have had to take this decision.

“Banks have been closing all over the place. Not everybody has adapted to doing everything online so it is going to be a big miss.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, who also represents the town, said: “The closure of the TSB branch is a disappointment for the town.

“I know that people travel from across the county to use the branch. The TSB branches in Dunbar and North Berwick were closed on the premise that the Haddington one would remain open.

“We have a growing population of older people and as a result we need TSB to consider the needs of all their customers.

“Research carried out by Age Scotland highlights that access to cash and in-person banking services are vital for many older people in Scotland.

“Their research highlighted that 34 per cent of people over the age of 65 prefer to bank in person.

“As one of the fastest growing areas in Scotland, I would urge TSB to reconsider their decision.”

Mr Hoy called on people to contact him in terms of how the closure would likely impact them.

He said: “Bricks and mortar banks are essential for many people; removing this essential service from Haddington will leave residents struggling to access basic banking functions.

“If TSB closes its local branch, this will leave Haddington with only two banks in a town with a growing population and this is clearly unacceptable.

“I will use any meeting to make sure TSB is aware of how important this branch is to the people of Haddington and surrounding areas and to call on them to reverse this damaging and worrying decision.”

A spokesperson for the banking business said: “The way customers bank with us is changing.

“Over 95 per cent of transactions are now being made using mobile, online and other ways to bank, instead of in our branches.

“And more customers than ever are using our video and telephone banking service.”

Theresa Laing, chairwoman of Haddington and District Community Council, encouraged politicians to try to get round the table.

She added: “I just feel for the people who do not like doing banking online, who don’t feel secure doing online banking.

“We are quite lucky in Haddington with having the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of Scotland but that is not comfort to those who go to TSB. It is sad it is closing and it is the same old story – if you don’t use it, you lose it.”