A petition has been launched aimed at getting a banking hub in Ellon after LINK said there wasn’t a need for one despite there being no branches left in the town.
In under 24 hours, 500 people have already signed the petition from Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross.
The document urges LINK to reconsider the outcome of its recent cash access assessment, which concluded there were no gaps in 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 businesses and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, who rely on 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.
The petition states that with a population of more than 10,000 and the fact Huntly, Banff, and Forres have been identified as suitable locations for banking hubs, Ellon should also meet the criteria for one.
Ms Cross recently visited Huntly’s banking hub and saw first-hand the benefits of having shared services that benefit everyone, from residents to local businesses.
Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan Harriet Cross said: “The huge response from the Ellon community and surrounding villages shows the urgent need for a banking hub in the town.
“I was astounded by LINK’s decision and I firmly believe it is wrong not to award Ellon a banking hub.
“That is why I encourage everyone to sign this petition to show strength in numbers and to highlight to LINK that Ellon desperately needs face-to-face banking services in the town.
“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 businesses which 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.”
