Concern Following News Garvagh Is to Lose Bank

ULSTER Bank is set to close nine of its 64 branches in Northern Ireland, including its branch in Garvagh.

- Matthew Finlay

The bank said it has made the decision because more of its customers are using digital banking.

It is understood it will affect six branch staff and a further ten employees who work in mortgage broker services.

Sean Murphy of Ulster Bank said: “Closing a branch is never an easy decision and one we do not take lightly.”

He added: “Ulster Bank still retains Northern Ireland’s biggest bank branch network.”

Mr Murphy said the company was “writing to customers of the affected branches to inform them of alternative branch locations in their area and the range of banking services available on their mobiles, online, telephone and in post offices.”

He added: “We are also communicating directly with staff in those affected branches.”

Recently elected SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat has requested an urgent meeting with Ulster Bank management to discuss future arrangements for banking in the Garvagh area following the proposed closure of the branch in October.