AN under-threat bank branch in Largs has a new closure date despite efforts to save it.

The Royal Bank of Scotland in Main Street was due to close on October 3 despite public opposition.

Last month, the bank, owned by NatWest, paused closure plans as the new Financial Conduct Authority rules came into place on September 18, guaranteeing access to cash in local communities.

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However, concerns have been raised for months about the impact on older residents as well as businesses who would have to travel elsewhere to do banking.

It has now been confirmed that the bank will shut for good on Thursday, November 21.

When the bank announced the plans earlier this year, they claimed too few people used the branch in person and that residents could simply go to the nearest alternatives - in Greenock or Irvine.

And according to the 'closure factsheet' report prepared by the company, there were 10 personal customers who used the branch weekly last year and 106 business customers monthly.

The bank also received 672 enquiries - questions that can be answered from first point of contact - from customers, community members and organisations.

It highlighted the impact it would have on members of the community who need access to cash services. the availability of banking services after the closure and the welfare of the staff at the branch.

At the time of the announcement, an RBS spokesperson said: "Our customers are using digital banking more than ever before – over 80 per cent of our active current account holders now use our digital services and over 97 per cent of retail accounts with us are now opened online.

“While we are increasingly engaging our customers digitally, our branch network remains important to us.

"We commit to no further review of our Royal Bank of Scotland branch network until at least 2026.”

READ MORE: Royal Bank of Scotland closure plan branded 'a kick in the teeth' for Largs

In a letter expressing his disappointment Kenneth Gibson MSP said:  "I must express my disappointment and concern regarding the planned closure of the Largs branch.

"I appreciate that an earlier decision was postponed.

"However, this decision will have an adverse impact on the Largs and nearby communities, particularly on elderly and vulnerable customers, as well as local businesses that rely on accessible banking services.

"The alternatives suggested of other branches, digital banking, and the Largs Post Office do not adequately replace the comprehensive services offered by a physical local branch.

"Largs has an older demographic and many of my constituents, particularly those who lack confidence with digital platforms, depend on face-to-face banking. The branch in Greenock, as suggested, is not a viable substitute due to distance and transport limitations - especially for those without cars.

"While digital banking options are helpful for some, there remains a large portion of our population for whom these services are inaccessible or simply unsuitable. Additionally, there are issues which cannot be dealt with online and require a customer to attend a physical branch.

"Largs deserves reliable, in-person banking facilities. I urge NatWest Group to reconsider this decision."