Ulster Bank to close Rathcoole branch
Branches in Finaghy, Hillsborough and Belfast’s Lisburn Road and Lombard Street will also shut.
An Ulster Bank spokesman told The Times that there would be ‘no additional job losses’ as a result of the announcement, with staff being redeployed elsewhere.
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Hide AdHe added that the closures were the result of a decrease in branch activity, with only 16 per cent of transactions now occurring there.
It’s understood that Rathcoole customers’ accounts will be transferred to the Glengormley branch at Farmley Road.
The bank is to write directly to customers in the coming weeks to inform them of alternative branch locations as well as services available via mobile, online and telephone banking.
The bank also intends to extend the services available through Post Offices later this year to include cash and cheque deposits.
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Hide AdCommenting on the bank’s decision to shut the Rathcoole branch, North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said: “The announcement that this branch is closing will be a devastating blow for the local community. The loss of this essential service will be particularly felt by local residents who do not have access to their own transport, by senior citizens and by local businesses, churches and other organisations which make regular cash deposits.
“This would mean that there is no bank branch within the Rathcoole housing estate. Along with party colleagues I will be seeking an early meeting with Ulster Bank managers to press for a review of this decision. It is also essential that Ulster Bank offer individual advice sessions with their customers locally to talk through how their ongoing banking needs can best be provided for.”