COMMUNITY leaders in Selkirk have ditched plans for a protest account switch after bankers pulled the plug on floral displays.

We revealed earlier this year that angry community councillors in Selkirk were closing their account with the Royal Bank of Scotland in protest at the decision to close the town's branch.

And the members voted unanimously to take their cash to the Bank of Scotland in the Market Place.

But this week they backtracked after their new bankers cancelled their £40 hanging baskets.

Community councillor Judith Thomson said: "We were all in favour of switching, but, to be honest, I'm not any more impressed by the Bank of Scotland.

"It has proved very difficult to move the account and they wouldn't even give us the £40 for hanging baskets this year, saying they don't have the budget.

"Since the RBS closed, they have offered the building for community use and they tidied up the front of their building when asked."

Monday's meeting of Selkirk Community Council was told the RBS had booked a regular stance at the town's monthly market since the closure of the branch.

And that staff from the bank are in town every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Councillor Caroline Penman said: "The RBS mobile banking service was busy last week and they are certainly making an effort to communicate with people.

"I spoke with their marketing manager who assures me that if they can't find a buyer for the vacant building it will be gifted to a community organisation.

"There are rules about being able to raise enough money to cover costs and repairs for three years, but there is an option there."

Members of Selkirk Community Council agreed to leave their bank account with the RBS.

Chairman Alistair Pattullo added: "I was passionate about pulling out of the RBS but, after hearing what's been happening, I'm happy enough for us to keep our account with them.

"I've seen all the loops you have to jump through to change accounts and I don't think we need to carry on that process."