BANKING heavyweights TSB have announced the closure of one of their bustling Edinburgh branches amid claims that “more customers than ever” are moving online.
The bank explained to customers in an email yesterday that due to the dramatic rise of digital banking, the branch at 59 Leith Walk would be closed.
With the branch due to disappear for good on 17 September, the closure will leave just two physical TSB banks in Edinburgh – raising concerns amongst locals over elderly customers.
Remaining branches on Hanover Street in the city centre and Cameron Toll to the south means any customers living outside of these areas will have to prepare for a slog to their nearest branch.
Disgruntled locals have since taken to social media to complain about the closure, with one claiming that the Hanover Street branch is set to be axed as well.
Leithers are now raising their own concerns over the issues these moves could raise, with elderly TSB customers set to be situated miles away from a branch.
A post made yesterday in a local social media group reads: “Just a wee heads up for any TSB bank users. They intend to close the Leith branch on 17 September.
“In addition, chat/planning is underway to close the Hanover Street branch too. Only leaving one at Cameron Toll.
“Feel sorry for all the elderly punters I see in there a lot.”
The post has since racked up dozens of likes and comments from locals and other TSB customers who were left miffed at the move.
One user said: “I know these are commercial businesses so do we just accept our politicians have no teeth?”
Another added: “Lots closing since Covid, expect folk to bank online….no thanks. Guess I’ll be telling them to eff off and moving to another bank.”
A third wrote: “Didn’t even want to bank with them, l was with Lloyd’s until they b*****ed off to England.”
Another replied: “Simple solution, sign up for Nationwide.”
A fifth commented: “Absolute joke.”
The Leith Walk branch closure is just the latest for TSB, with 36 branches in total across the UK set to shut for the final time – costing around 250 jobs in the process.
Despite this, the bank claims that “over 90%” of their customers are still within a 20-minute drive to a branch or a “Money Confidence Expert”.
TSB has been contacted for comment.
