TSB in Alloa will be among the 36 branches set to be axed by the banking group with a planned closure this September.

Concerns are being raised for elderly customers in the wake of the announcement, which will see 250 jobs cut across the business, including in the fraud operations department, central operations and branch staff.

TSB explained the closures come as not enough customers are using the branches with about 96 per cent of transactions taking place outside of a branch.

A spokesman for TSB said: “The decision to close a branch is never taken lightly, but our customers are now doing most of their banking digitally and we need to move to a better balance of digital and face-to-face services.

“We remain committed to a national branch network and through innovation and integration with video, telephone, digital, branch and other face-to-face services TSB customers have more ways to bank with us than ever before.”

Trade union Unite said the decision was a “grave mistake”.

Andy Case, regional officer for the trade union, said: “Through extensive negotiations Unite has been able to substantially reduce the number of jobs at risk.

“However, that isn’t sufficient, the union is pressing TSB to urgently reconsider its damaging bank branch closures plan.”

MSP Alexander Stewart contacted the Advertiser to raise his concerns, saying the closure and loss of staff is “truly appalling”.

The Mid Scotland and Fife representative added: “I am deeply concerned at this new announcement as, whilst we all understand that the way people are banking is changing; having access to a branch on our doorstep is absolutely vital, especially for those in rural communities with poor broadband/mobile signal, of which there are many.

“Notwithstanding this, the elderly and vulnerable, especially in current climate will be extremely worried if they are unable to access banking facilities where they live and this further adds to the ongoing demise of our high streets.

“Many of our older residents do not do - or are not interested in - electronic banking, as they look forward to regular visits to their branch and the social interaction that this brings, especially if they live alone.

“I shall be making very strong representations regarding this and I look forward to hearing from my many constituents who may be affected by this raft of closures.”

MSP Keith Brown was "both shocked and appalled" after hearing the announcement.

He said: "This will leave one bank in Alloa.

"Closing it will mean that Alloa town centre is left with only two cash machines which will be concerning for those people who rely on cash.

"Many businesses and residents will have moved to TSB in good faith when the other banks shut, and in my view, TSB should rethink this decision.

"There are other cash machines in Alloa - at Tesco and Asda - but that takes people out of the town centre, and stops people spending cash in local businesses.

"That’s before mentioning the impact that this closure will have on those employed at the branch.

"Alloa went without a Post Office for a good amount of time, and this caused a number of issues - so local people and businesses will have some reservations about relying on banking services here.

"I have previously tried to push the idea of a banking hub for Alloa town centre, as they have in Carluke - a centre which offers a Post Office, personal and business banking and bill payments for multiple banks, all under one roof.

"I think this could be a workable solution for Alloa.

"I’ll be writing to TSB, and urging them to look again at this decision."

TSB has been approached for a response.