THE Clydesdale Bank is to close its Troon branch, after announcing a blow to workers all over the country.

A move towards electronic banking is being blamed for the decision, which has left Clydesdale customers facing a trip to Newton Mearns to carry out their transactions.

The Troon branch is among 79 across the UK earmarked for closure by the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banking group, with the loss of 400 jobs. Other Ayrshire branches affected are Saltcoats, Beith and Cumnock.

More will be in next week's paper.