Bank bosses decline Moray MP Douglas Ross' invitation to visit Forres
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Moray's MP has slammed a senior official who's refusing to attend a public meeting concerning the planned closure of the last bank in Forres.
Douglas Ross wrote to Lloyds Banking Group over its intention to shut the town's Bank of Scotland branch in July.
In reply, the group's public affairs director, has declined an invitation to come to Moray.
Mr Ross said: "This is another shameful response.
"Senior officials are clearly running scared and are failing to show any signs of leadership whatsoever.
"They are also showing no respect for their customers who have stuck with them for years.
"These banking services are a lifeline for our elderly and vulnerable in particular.
"Bosses would have heard that if they had the decency to come to Forres and attend a public forum.
"I will continue to push them to face the music on this and reverse their terrible decision."
Benedict Brogan, the bank's group public affairs director, declined the invitation.
He wrote: "I appreciate that our decision to close the branch is disappointing.
"We make every effort to support colleagues who wish to remain with the group and I would like to reiterate that, to date, we have not made a compulsory redundancy because of a closure.
"Our priority is supporting our customers.
"Our local staff – both in branch and local director teams – have been making every effort to speak directly with our customers to address their concerns, explain the options available to them and to compile this feedback.
"I therefore do not believe that a public forum would be of more use to local customers than the detailed and tailored conversations they are already having with our staff."
Mr Brogan added: "In Forres, branch usage has reduced by more than 50% in the last five years, and a further 20% in the last year alone."
