At a recent community meeting I realised that there are no bank branches left in my ward – every local branch that once was located in my ward has now shut up shop and they now direct my constituents to one of their other branches, which, in most cases is a bus ride away.

This is extremely concerning for me as I realise the communities that I represent are diverse and varied and have a number of vulnerable and elderly people who will now either not be able to access a bank branch due to mobility problems or due to financial constraint, with rising costs of public transport.

And, with most – if not all – banks now moving to a business model with more online focus I continue to plead with them to remember and to take into consideration the needs of the people I represent who do not have access or do not want to deal with online banking.

Read more: OPINION Councillor Eva Murray: Big thank-you to those who prevent people going hungry

Online banking may be the future but it does not suit everyone.

However, as a Labour and Co-operative councillor I do see an opportunity – an opportunity for our community to get behind co-operative solutions that will benefit our area and suit many in our community. Local solutions, in other words.

While bank branches across the country are closing, communities across Scotland are looking at alternatives. Ideas such as creating community banks and promoting credit unions as well as educating a new generation about the importance of them.

Community-based solutions, owned by their members who are not driven to make money for external shareholders but instead put money back into the community, can mean accessible and affordable loans and savings products for local residents.

Local businesses, local people, and visitors will all suffer due to these bank branch closures – that’s why it’s important we start looking now at innovative, local solutions.