Final rallying call by bank campaigner

As the closing date for the Bank of Scotland looms, campaigners are inviting residents and tourists to voice make their feelings known once more as they take to the High Street in protest next Thursday.

Determined campaigner Evelyn Atkins said this week: “Over the last five months our campaign to save our branch of Bank of Scotland has been relentless, support coming from petitions signed by all sections of our community, backed by Age Scotland, Agency Scotland, our MP and MSPs and presented at both Westminster and the Scottish Parliament.

“I am not saying that it will be easy to change that decision but one thing I do know is, that if the people of Moffat do not come out in support of our final rally on October 16 at 2 pm at the Town Hall, they are missing an opportunity to let their true feelings be known.

“Every sector of our community needs the banking facilities, from the elderly, the businesses, the community groups and our tourists.

“This is your final chance to make the bank sit up and take notice of our community and if they fail to do so, it leaves you the decision as to whether you wish to continue your existing connection with a bank that pays little regards to your needs.”

Evelyn recently took the fight to parliament when she and MSPs Craig Hoy and Oliver Mundell presented the community’s petition – signed by over 3000 residents – to Bank of Scotland’s public affairs manager Ross Gardner.

Mr Hoy said: “Oliver Mundell and myself were pleased to stand alongside Evelyn Atkins as she presented the petition on behalf of residents where she stressed her deep concern and regret at the closure.

“The proposed closure would leave many older residents and local businesses without face-to-face banking services and result in a significant reduction in access to cash in the town.”