A petition has been launched to introduce the first banking hub in Aberdeen following the closure of eight branches on the outskirts of the city.
After only 24 hours, dozens of people have already signed the petition from North East MSP Liam Kerr, urging LINK to roll out a banking hub to serve Lower Deeside.
The area, which includes Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber, and Peterculter, has now lost all of its branches following the closure of its final bank almost two years ago.
Since then, some residents have been forced into a 40-minute round trip to access their nearest bank in the Queens Cross area of the city.
Mr Kerr’s petition has already been backed by groups including Cults, Bieldside and Milltimber Community Council.
He states that the absence of a branch across Lower Deeside has been hugely detrimental for businesses and vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled, who rely on face-to-face banking.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “In recent years, Lower Deeside, including Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber, and Peterculter, has lost all of its local branches and has become an isolated banking desert.
“The banks have taken no accountability, not consulted with residents, and have avoided offering any alternative services to the people of Lower Deeside since these closures.
“In a prospering area with a population of 6,500 people that is growing and keen to support local businesses, the absence of banking facilities is deeply concerning, which is why I have launched my petition.
“The nearest bank is in Queens Cross, but for many people, especially older and disabled residents, or those without access to a car, that journey simply isn’t feasible.
“That is why I want to demonstrate to LINK the strength of local support for a banking hub to bring face-to-face services back to Lower Deeside.
“We have recently seen the success of banking hubs in places such as Huntly, so why not areas of Aberdeen that have also been left behind?
“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.”
