THE future of our local banking services has been in the headlines recently, following closures in Tranent, Haddington and Dunbar – and the looming closure of the Bank of Scotland in North Berwick.

I recently met with representatives from the Bank of Scotland, Link and Cash Access UK.

I regret the Bank of Scotland’s decision to close the North Berwick branch and I told them as much. It seems to me that the big banks make these decisions based on profits, not people.

However, the positive news is that North Berwick will secure a banking hub – and Bank of Scotland has confirmed they will not be closing the branch until an interim hub is established.

The hub will have a counter operated by the Post Office and five different banks will be using the hub. So, for example, customers will be able to discuss mortgages and savings products. The five banks are to be chosen based on their market share in the area.

Bank of Scotland have said they are open to their building being used for this and I am in discussion with Cash Access UK to make sure the hub is located somewhere like this, so it is convenient for residents.

The way people bank may be changing, but I absolutely agree with the Link assessment that North Berwick needs a banking hub so residents can always access cash.

My view remains strongly that people who do not have access to mobile or telephone banking must be given the option of face-to-face services.

So, while I am still very concerned that banks are continuing to close, I will continue to engage residents, community councils and the banking operators to ensure the North Berwick area is properly serviced.

I will now also be pressing Cash Access UK for similar hubs in Dunbar and Tranent, where branch closures have left people without easy access.

As always, I am keen to engage and happy to help local residents.