Ellon has been rejected for a banking hub despite not having a branch in the town following the last closure almost six months ago.
Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross described the decision as “upsetting” and is meeting bosses from Link, the organisation responsible for banking hubs across the UK, in the coming weeks to urge them to reconsider their outcome.
In a letter to Ms Cross, Link said there were no gaps in cash access services in Ellon that cause a “significant impact for the community”.
But Ms Cross has questioned the reasoning, saying the absence of a branch in the town has been hugely detrimental for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, who now must travel to Aberdeen, Inverurie or Peterhead to access face-to-face banking.
She believes a banking hub is a necessity for Ellon, which has been left without a branch following the closure of the Bank of Scotland in September.
Ms Cross recently visited Huntly’s banking hub and saw first-hand the benefits of having shared banking services that benefits everyone, from residents to local businesses.
On the decision, Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, said: “This is a deeply disappointing decision which will cause a lot of upset and frustration within the community.
“I have now asked to meet Link to urge them to reconsider this questionable outcome.
“Just a few years ago it would have been unthinkable that Ellon, with a population of 10,000 people, would have been left without a single high street bank operating in the town.
“This has proved to be hugely detrimental to groups such as the elderly, as well as those who are dependent on the ability to deposit and access cash for their day-to-day functioning.
“These hubs are not only vital for residents and businesses, but they also play a key role in revitalising our high streets, bringing footfall back to town centres, and repurposing unused buildings for community benefit.
“I’m astounded by this decision which is why I will be pushing for the result of this review to be reconsidered to protect people’s access to cash in and around Ellon.”
In its response to Ms Cross, Link confirmed: “We did not find any gap in the cash access services available in the local area that cause a significant impact for the community.
“We are not recommending any new services in the local area.
“I recognise this may be frustrating, but please be assured we have followed a detailed regulated process to understand the cash access needs in the community.”
