POLITICIANS are trying to convince bank bosses to change their minds and keep Peebles' TSB open.

The High Street branch has been closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

But last week, bank chiefs confirmed it would not reopen.

Peeblesshire MP David Mundell (Conservative) says he intends to contact the bank in a bid to get the decision reversed.

He added: "The irony is that TSB have always put great emphasis on being Britain's 'local' bank which is hard to justify if they are removing their branches from towns the size of Peebles.

"Online and telephone banking is not an alternative for many of my constituents, particularly in rural areas where there is poor internet or mobile phone signals."

Tweeddale MSP Christine Grahame (SNP) has also urged the company to rethink the closures and called for an urgent meeting with bosses.

She said: “Make no mistake, most businesses have been hit hard by coronavirus – banks are no exception.

“But at a time when many are feeling isolated, a face-to-face banking service in the local community is indispensable for my constituents.

"Digital services are an essential part of modern banking, but there will always be a need for in-person access for those who, for a plethora of reasons, can’t access them.

“I have requested a meeting with TSB bosses regarding the future of services in the area – the bank need to rethink this decision and allow our high streets to fully recover from this pandemic.

“My thoughts are with the local staff now facing an uncertain future, as well as their customers who rely on this service. I will fight to keep this branch open.”

The closures are part of a bid to cut 900 jobs nationwide.

Elsewhere in the Borders, it has been announced the Kelso branch will not reopen and the company's Hawick base will close on June 2 next year.

Meanwhile, Penicuik's TSB will shut its doors on June 15, 2021.

TSB chief executive Debbie Crosbie said: “Closing any of our branches is never an easy decision, but our customers are banking differently – with a marked shift to digital banking.

“We are reshaping our business to transform the customer experience and set us up for the future.

“This means having the right balance between branches on the high street and our digital platforms, enabling us to offer the very best experience for our personal and business customers across the UK.

“We remain committed to our branch network and will retain one of the largest in the UK.”