THERE is no doubt that both Lesley Laird and Jenny Gilruth are right to question the loyalty of banks to communities.

In days gone by the bank branch was the centre of a community.

In Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath the various bank managers were stalwarts serving on many local organisations and involved in the kirk sessions of churches.

However, in the 21st century it would appear that banks of all types feel they need no longer pay any attention to communities or the people who live in them.

They seem to have this belief that modern technology gives them the go-ahead to not bother about the people who are their lifeblood.

Indeed, for both Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank people are their lifeblood for had it not been for them and local MP and then Prime Minister Gordon Brown riding to their rescue both of these institutions may not be with us.

However, it would seem that carries little credence with these institutions and they seem committed to closing branches and heading towards an existence which will not leave any real connections with towns and villages. Everything will be done remotely.

That may save money but what message does it send out about the banks? In time they will possibly dearly feel the effects of their current actions and meanwhile the MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and MSP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, are right to keep reminding them of their responsibilities.