Danske Bank To Close Belfast And Bangor Branches

Danske Bank has announced plans to close two branches in County Down later this year.

The Lisburn Road, Belfast, and Main Street, Bangor sites will close on Friday 24 May.

Richard Caldwell, Managing Director of personal banking at the facility said the closure was due to a shift in customer trends, including the growing use of online banking.

He explained: "The way customers use branches has changed significantly in recent years. Many are now choosing to use different ways to bank with us, such as digital or banking on the telephone. As a business, we must respond to these changes, therefore priorities for investment will adapt and change.

"Sometimes this can mean investing more in certain key branches. Through transformational upgrades, we have invested over £3million in key local branches over the past two years.

"This development programme will continue in 2019 - for example we are currently upgrading our other branch in Bangor at Bloomfield Shopping Centre."

There are currently five Danske Bank branches in the greater Belfast area.

SDLP representative for Botanic Gary McKeown expressed his concern at the decision to close the Lisburn Road branch.

He said: "For many people, especially those with mobility issues or a lack of access to transport, banks in their local community provide an essential service. This closure means than access will not only be restricted for these customers, but will also have an impact on local businesses.

"At a time when many small shops and services are struggling, the presence of banks in our communities helps draw people in and encourages them to spend money locally.

"This bank closure on the Lisburn Road will be a disappointing blow for residents and businesses owners in the area, so I am urging people to rally round and continue to shop and spend time in the area to support the local economy and community."

After the axed branches shut their doors in just over three months time, Danske Bank will have a network of 40 sites across Northern Ireland.



(JG)