TSB gives assurance on plans to reduce opening hours in Caithness
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A CAITHNESS Highland councillor has been given an assurance by the London headquarters of the TSB bank that it "seriously considers" the impact on a community of reducing a service.
Councillor Matthew Reiss, who represents Thurso and Northwest Caithness, raised concerns about plans to cut opening hours at the TSB branches in Thurso and Wick from mid-July.
Customer numbers have been decreasing due to changing banking habits. Reducing the days the Caithness branches are open will help make the business more cost-effective, according to the bank, although it said staff will be unaffected by the changes. It is understood they will move between the branches as required.
Councillor Reiss said: "Like everyone else, Thurso councillors are concerned about this latest partial loss of a banking service.
"I am relieved no jobs will be lost and feel TSB has been more up front with the reasons for this change than others in the past. I have explained to the bank how important its services are to us as we face up to unwelcome projected population decline, and have to say I received a prompt reply to my phone call.
"We will continue to do all we can to retain local services and hopefully protect them."
The decision by the TSB means its Thurso branch will open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, while the Wick branch will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The move will have an impact on the business and wider community, according to the Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
Its chief executive, Trudy Morris, speaking last month, said: "Any move by TSB to reduce opening hours at its branches in Thurso and Wick would be of serious concern to us. Access to banking facilities is important for businesses and the community as a whole, particularly in remote and rural areas such as the north Highlands. We hope TSB will consult closely with the affected communities before making any moves to change opening hours."
TSB said customers have access to its digital and telephone banking services and can complete many personal banking tasks at the local post office.
The bank stressed it is reducing the opening hours at its Caithness branches rather than closing them.
