A BANK closure has created a “cash flow crisis” in a Borders town, an angry ward councillor has warned.

Over the past two weeks, Eyemouth has seen a reduction in cash flow due to the closure of the Bank of Scotland in Manse Road, according to James Anderson, independent representative for East Berwickshire.

Mr Anderson said: “This is despite the assurance of Bank of Scotland there would be no reduction in cash flow.

“Obviously, as I stated repeatedly, they were wrong and did not carry out the proper consultation exercises.

“With the LINK cash machine spending two days out of action, this left local shops having to refuse cash back due to high demand.

“The issue of the cash point breaking down repeatedly obviously hasn’t been resolved, nor the issue of the cash point being locked up when the Co-op shutters close.

“The post office at the petrol station is obviously busier than ever. With locals left to do banking at the small post office kiosk, it is very obvious Eyemouth needs another accessible 24-hour cash point ASAP.

“It is ludicrous the bank chose not to listen to local voices when putting profit before customers. Obviously, the truth was inconvenient to the overall agenda of the banks.”

Mr Anderson also raised his concerns at moves towards a “cashless society”.

He added: “A cashless society will leave locals with less money in their accounts as banks charge shops for each digital transaction.

“With the charges passed onto customers, slowly but surely the profits go to the banks leaving our communities worse off.

“The recent actions of the banks leave a burning question for a lot of people in Berwickshire. Do we want a cashless society or are we going to use cash at every possible opportunity to ensure our local shops profit from their hard work and not the banks?”

The Bank of Scotland is redirecting customers to neighbouring branches in Hawick, Kelso, Berwick, and Langholm, as well as the local Post Office network.

A spokesperson said: “There’s a number of ways you can do your everyday banking with us – online, on your mobile, over the phone or at a post office.”