Are they safe places in rows? (5)

I believe the answer is:

banks

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'rows?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for banks that I've seen before include "Relies" , "Financial institutions" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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