A VITAL service in the community has been given a temporary stay of execution thanks to new regulations.

The RBS branch in Helensburgh's Colquhoun Square was due to close on September 25 despite vocal public and business opposition.

Now the bank, owned by NatWest, has had to pause plans with new Financial Conduct Authority rules guaranteeing access to cash in local communities.

Regulations come into force on September 18 and MSP Jackie Baillie said it had forced the bank to temporarily "back down".

But RBS said they were still going to close the branch.

A Royal Bank of Scotland spokesperson said: “We’re reviewing the cash services available near our Helensburgh branch after the branch closes. We will confirm the final closure date in due course.”

When the bank announced the plans earlier this year, they claimed too few people used the branch in person and that residents could simply go to the nearest alternative - in Dumbarton.

Bank of Scotland also announced they are cutting their opening hours in Helensburgh, cutting the town off from a full-time bank.

READ MORE: Helensburgh 'at risk of no banks at all' say business leaders

Ms Baillie said the FCA has told banks and building societies to assess cash access and whether additional points are needed in local communities. T

hey also have to deliver "reasonable cash services" where there are significant gaps.

She said the bank had pledged to work with the FCA and industry towards further detail on cash services in the area.

RBS will maintain routine opening hours until then.

The MSP said: "I am delighted that Royal Bank of Scotland will continue to provide services at their Helensburgh branch meantime.

“It is essential that communities are served by their banking institutions. They are customer-based services, which seems to be forgotten all too quickly.

“I have had talks with RBS bosses, alongside Cllr Fiona Howard and the local community, and have urged them to reconsider the decision to close the Colquhoun Square branch at all.

"I believe there is a need to maintain these services in the area, particularly given the high proportion of elderly residents.”