PEOPLE today called for a u-turn on the controversial decision to close one of the last remaining banks in Port Glasgow.

The TSB in Princes Street is one of 73 branches across the country which will close in 2021.

Its closure will leave just one financial facility - the Bank of Scotland - left in the town.

Bosses have not yet confirmed how many jobs will be lost at the Port Glasgow branch but the roles will be among 300 to go across Scotland.

TSB says that the closures and job losses have been driven by a reduction in the numbers using branches and a 'significant acceleration' in online banking.

Port Glasgow man Peter Milne, 68, says the decision shows how little concern is being given to people in the town.

He said: "They don't care about the people any more.

"I don't use internet banking so it's handy for me when I need to take money out.

"It should be open and kept open five days a week.

"It's ridiculous what they're doing.

"I was a Royal Bank of Scotland customer for years but when that closed I changed to Bank of Scotland because I knew there was still one in the Port.

"I think that will happen with TSB customers now."

Sal Mohammed, co-owner of the Curry Lounge in Princes Street, said he uses the TSB for business banking and to get change for the restaurant.

He said: "The TSB is so handy for us and it's usually really busy.

"There are always queues out of the door.

"It makes you wonder what the town is going to be like.

"They should definitely rethink their decision."

Customer Isabel Piggott, 59, says she's thankful she will soon receive her bus pass, as a trip to the TSB in Greenock will cost her almost £5.

She said: "There's always a queue out the door at the TSB so there's obviously a need for it.

"They should keep it open."

Councillor Jim MacLeod fears the closure will lead to a drop in footfall in the town that could impact upon other businesses and shops.

He added: "This is terrible news.

"Over the years we have seen other bank branches, the registry office, DWP benefit offices and other businesses close.

"We still require physical banking services in the town.

"The Port town centre has a high number of older residents and they don't all use the internet.

"I urge TSB to rethink their decision regarding this closure."

TSB says that branches earmarked for closure have been selected to ensure that 94 per cent of TSB customers in Scotland remain within 20 minutes travel time of a branch.

Port trader and town councillor Drew McKenzie said was not surprised by the development.

He said: "It's not ideal but it's not unexpected.

"We still have the Bank of Scotland but RBS has gone and now TSB will go next year.

"More and more people are doing all of their banking online and that's just the way of it now.

"A lot of older people don't have access to online banking facilities but overall there's not as much of a call for that face-to-face service.

"It would be difficult to make a case for why it should stay open."

Robin Bulloch, director of customer banking at TSB, said: "These decisions are the most difficult we take, but we must always be guided by our customers - and we are clearly witnessing a substantial shift towards digital banking."