Business

Danske upgrades four bank branches - but four others set to shut

DANSKE Bank is investing £500,000 to upgrade its branches at Abbeycentre, Armagh, Ballymena and Banbridge as part of its ongoing branch transformation programme.

As well as freshening up the appearance of all four branches, state-of-the-art customer service technology and enhanced self-service solutions are being installed.

But the refurbishments come just a fortnight before Danske's branches in Ballycastle, Comber, Kilrea and Strabane will serve customers face-to-face for the last time.

That announcement, which came in September, is part of a wider rationalisation of the bank's retail offer, which it said is based on customer behaviour, with more people opting to bank online or use its app.

In tandem with selected closures, Danske has spent more than £3 million over the past three years in upgrading 15 of its branches across the north.

Aisling Press, managing director of personal banking at Danske, said: “The world of banking is continually evolving, and so are the needs of our customers.

“While changing consumer behaviours have driven increased investment in digital banking solutions for our customers, it’s all about providing choice, and our branches remain a fundamental part of the service we provide.

“Customers can expect a modern and welcoming look and feel at all of the refurbished branches, with a number of service enhancements – providing an enhanced customer experience.”

Work has already begun in the Ballymena and Banbridge branches, while Armagh is to set to follow soon, and all three branches will stay open throughout.

But the Abbeycentre branch will temporarily close for the duration of its transformation from November 13 to December 7.