Our RBS branch in the nearest town closed a couple of years ago and the B of S Branch is closing next month leaving no banks in the town. Now the next nearest RBS branch in a bigger town (which always has large queues) is set to close later this year. The main PO in that town closed last year - there is now only a counter in a small corner shop. The nearest RBS branch in the opposite direction is also due to close this year, leaving just the 1 Branch in the city within a 10 mile radius. That Branch is in the city centre with no parking available nearby - so important if paying in large amounts of cash and for those with mobility issues.
I am especially angry with the RBS as we, the tax payers actually own it. They say that they are 'rationalising' and that there is no need for small local branches, now that everyone uses internet banking, but the Branches I have detailed are/were always busy. Obviously there are many things from depositing the day's takings in the night safe, exchanging foreign currency, to acquiring a 'float' for a fete or bring and buy. Not to mention people who cannot access the internet, or live in areas without good signal.
The reality is that they are asset stripping, selling off the posh bank buildings (usually turned into pubs or restaurants) and paying off staff. The 2 ladies in the B of S branch which is closing who are both nearing retirement age told me that they are not being made redundant (they would both have been due a small fortune as they have worked for the bank since they left school). Instead, they have been offered part time hours in a Branch far away, which will result in their Bank pensions being based on the part time hours i.e. 50% of the pension they were expecting.