A POLITICIAN has spoken of his disappointment after the death knell was sounded for a bank branch.

Royal Bank of Scotland had given its outlet in Gretna a stay of execution as part of a series of closures which took out the branches in Annan and Langholm.

It was retained while an independent review was held into its future.

That study, conducted by business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, encompassed 10 branches which were mostly all the last branch in town and more than nine miles from the nearest alternative RBS branch.

That recommended that only two - neither of which were Gretna - were not closed.

Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell said: "I am very disappointed that the last RBS branch in Annandale and Eskdale is to be closed and my thoughts are with the staff at this time.

"I will be seeking more detail about the mobile bank service RBS have promised for Gretna but feel sure it will be little compensation for the inconvenience caused by the loss of a local branch with regular opening hours."

Mr Mundell said he would monitor the situation closely to see if sufficient support was in place for RBS customers wishing to carry out basic over-the-counter transactions.

RBS has also closed branches in Carlisle city centre.

Simon Watson, RBS' managing director of personal banking, said: "We know branches are important to many communities, but equally we know that fewer and fewer people are using them as more people bank online.

"In every case of a branch closing we are committed to providing the best possible range of banking alternatives, including mobile branches, banking in the local post office, community bankers and remote services such as telephone banking."

The Union Unite has also condemned the decision nationally, claiming it will leave communities "marginalised".