THE closure of Port Glasgow's last bank has been condemned by local residents.

The Tele revealed last week how the Bank of Scotland branch on John Wood Street would shut for good on September 10.

Provost Drew McKenzie, who runs a butcher's in the town, fears it will be another reason stopping people coming into the town - and residents feel likewise.

Local man David Irvine, 59, contacted the Tele to slam the bank's move to pull out of the Port and says it will affect many senior citizens.

Mr Irvine said: "It's another nail in the coffin for Port Glasgow that the town will not have one single bank.

"Port Glasgow still has quite a busy town centre. It's unbelievable to close it down. The Port is a wee busy town and I know a lot of people who use it.

"There are so many elderly people living in the town centre and in the high flats."

Bank bosses have cited a lack of customers making transactions at the front desk, with more people using their mobile app and internet banking.

But David said: "I really feel for older people who might not be comfortable using mobile phone apps or doing online banking.

"In the old days there was a Clydesdale, TSB and the Royal Bank of Scotland, there used to be four or five banks in the town."

David says he agrees with Provost McKenzie that the bank's withdrawal could affect other businesses.

He said: "There will be less of a reason to come into the town and it will reduce footfall. It's going to be less busy.

"It's another brick coming loose in the wall.

"I think there should be a bank in some shape or form, as people like to speak to someone."

A Bank of Scotland spokesperson previously told the Telegraph: "As many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app or online, visits to our Port Glasgow branch have fallen over recent years.

"When the branch closes in September, customers can continue to manage their money online, by calling us, in person at Greenock branch, or the local Post Office on John Wood Street.”