A BORDERS MP has called on the government to help maintain access to cash as a number of Borders banks are set to close.

Conservative MP John Lamont, who represents Berwickshire, Roxburghe and Selkirk, recently took part in a Westminster Hall debate where he highlighted the need for bank branches in rural areas such as the Borders.

During the debate Mr Lamont highlighted the closure of the TSB branches in Hawick and Kelso and the planned closure the Galashiels branch of Virgin Money next year.

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Mr Lamont said: “I was pleased to be able to speak in the debate as it is a topic that comes up regularly in conversations with local residents here in the Borders.

“In a rural area like ours, closures of the TSB Banks in Hawick and Kelso, and the planned closure of Virgin Money in Galashiels will mean that for some residents, the nearest physical branch is over 50 miles away in Edinburgh."

The Borders MP added: “I know first-hand that many local residents and businesses in the Borders still rely on bank branches and the vital services they offer. That is why bank closures are always such a blow to these communities.

“Whilst it is understandable that cash use has decreased during the pandemic, I am clear that this should not be a reason to move away from cash completely.

“In the debate, I called on the UK Government to ensure that suitable alternatives must exist. In areas like the Borders, access to financial services should be maintained and the availability of cash must not be reduced any further.”

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Virgin Money announced the closure of its Galashiels branch, alongside another 30 branches, on September 30. The banks are expected to close by January 26, 2021.

Where bank branches have closed Borders residents can access some banking services through the Post Office.