DISAPPOINTMENT at the closure of Haddington’s TSB branch has been passed to bank bosses.

The banking giant announced earlier this month that more than 35 branches across the UK would close their doors throughout September.

Among those is the branch on Haddington’s Court Street, leaving only a single TSB, in Musselburgh, in East Lothian.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, met with Stuart Gray and Andrew Macintyre from TSB to discuss the closure, which will take place on September 5.

The bank said the decision was taken after a review, which took account of its proximity to the Musselburgh branch and a 50 per cent drop in transactions in Haddington.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hoy said: “It is deeply disappointing to hear the Haddington branch will be closing. I am strongly against this move.

“I told bank bosses that I would like to see the branch retained, particularly as it serves rural and elderly customers, some of whom are not able to access digital and telephone banking services.

“While I understand the pressures that some banks are under, closing branches is a backwards step and should be avoided at all costs.”

TSB’s closure in Haddington will leave the town with two remain- ing banks – Bank of Scotland and Royal Bank of Scotland, both on Court Street.

The expected closure of TSB has been universally criticised by councillors and members of the community.

Councillors Shamin Akhtar, George McGuire and Tom Trotter all criticised the move last week, as did Theresa Laing, chairwoman of the town’s community council.

Concerns have been expressed about how the closure will affect those living in rural areas, as well as elderly and vulnerable customers.

Mr Hoy wanted assurances that no customers would be left without access to banking facilities.

He added: “I have been assured that when someone calls the bank, customers will be able to speak to someone at that branch.

“Those who will be unable to bank without access to a physical branch will be taken through the switching process to another bank in the town if the TSB team believes that is the right course of action for that customer.

“But it remains a concern that some customers might be forced to switch their accounts to another bank entirely.”