THE Bank of Scotland has announced it has made the 'difficult decision' to close its Lochgelly branch on February 27.

Staff affected by this closure have been informed and BOS will be writing to customers shortly.

The company said it had decided to close the branch because of the "changing way customers choose to bank which has resulted in customers using it less often."

Customer's accounts will be realigned to the Cowdenbeath branch.

The decision has been addressed by Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP Lesley Laird who has taken steps to contact BOS to discuss the move.

Ms Laird said: "This disappointing decision by the Bank of Scotland represents a blow for loyal customers in Lochgelly.

"We hear constant marketing adverts about banks being there to serve their customers but while more and more customers are choosing to bank online, there is still a strong customer base which wishes to carry out banking transactions face-to-face, or can't bank online".

The Shadow Scottish Secretary added: "Banks often talk about their wider social responsibilities but to be socially inclusive I believe they should also be integral to the High Street, helping sustain local communities and businesses and encouraging footfall to our town centres.

"I will be writing to the Bank of Scotland asking for an urgent meeting to discuss this decision and the implications it will have for people in Lochgelly and nearby communities.”

This move follows the TSB's closure in the summer and will leave the town without an operational bank branch.