Working with local councillors and campaigners, Martin Whitfield MSP has today launched a petition against the Royal Bank of Scotland’s decision to close its branch on Tranent High Street, the town’s only remaining bank.

The petition, which highlights the negative impact closing the branch would have and urges RBS to rethink the decision, was started on Tranent High Street with Martin, Douglas Alexander, and ward councillors Fiona Dugdale and Colin McGinn collecting signatures from local people.

Mr Whitfield has also written to RBS to express his disappointment with the announcement and request a meeting to discuss the proposed closure and the impact it will have on the town.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“We have already experienced several bank closures in Tranent and other communities across East Lothian over recent years.  This latest proposed closure will be detrimental to local RBS personal and business customers as well as leaving Tranent without a single bank branch.

“Given the negative impact the decision will have on the town and local people, I’ve already written to RBS to urge them to rethink the decision and requested a meeting to discuss the announcement and possible alternatives.

“I’ll work with the local community to oppose the closure and make the case for retaining banking services and access to cash in Tranent.”

The petition can be signed online at www.change.org/StopClosureofRBSTranentBranch