BARRHEAD residents have voiced anger at the closure of one of the town's main banks.

The Royal Bank of Scotland's decision to shut down its only Barrhead branch has been met with serious disapproval by customers who relied heavily on the Cross Arthurlie Street bank.

Bank bosses announced the branch would be shutting its doors on August 15 back in May, citing a 17 per cent fall in the number of its in-store customers since 2011 as the main factor behind the closure.

Affected customers have taken to social media to share their opinions on the impact the move will have on the town.

One Facebook user wrote on a Barrhead community page: "This town is getting bigger with all-new houses being built, why close a bank that had plenty of customers? It seems mad to me."

Another responded by highlighting the benefits which come with in-branch banking and said: "We don't use self-service checkouts, my husband would rather wait for the real checkouts where you always get a smiling face and as I am disabled and in a wheelchair they always have a wee chat with me."

A third user commented: "All the online banking, same with retail shops, soon there won't be any left. Online banking does discounts that are not offered in the store so sales are being driven out of shop."

The Barrhead RBS branch is one of several to be closed across the country, including nearby Netherlee.

When RBS made the announcement three months ago, it claimed customers would still be catered for as there are 14 free-to-use ATMs within a mile of the branch.

A spokesman said at the time: "We’re closing this branch because the number of transactions at the branch has reduced by 17 per cent since 2011.

"We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally."

The closest RBS bank for those living in Barrhead is the Paisley Chief Office branch over four miles away.

Convenor for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth Tony Buchanan has called the motives behind the move into question.

He said: "It's extremely disappointing that RBS have taken this decision. As one of the main architects of the economic crash, the impact on jobs and our economy has been devastating.

"And yet, rather than rebuild trust by supporting local jobs, they have decided to move out of the town. I am sure many businesses and residents used the branch and will now need to alter their banking processes.

"However, Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor – the main areas served by the branch – will continue to flourish."

While the fallout from the bank's closure last week is still to be felt in full force by local businesses, a shop owner on Cross Arthurlie Street believes it is only a matter of time until that changes.

Jeanette Park-Patterson of the Bluestone Gift Shop said: "Our footfall has not been affected as our business is more of a destination shop.

"Our customers make a point of visiting our gift and coffee shop, although I would imagine it will have a detrimental affect on some other service-based businesses."