Business

Danske Bank to close Belfast and Bangor branches

The Danske Bank branch on Bangor's Main Street will close on May 24
The Danske Bank branch on Bangor's Main Street will close on May 24 The Danske Bank branch on Bangor's Main Street will close on May 24

DANSKE Bank has announced the closure of a further two branches later this year in response to changing customer patterns.

The Northern-Ireland based bank will close its Main Street Bangor branch and the Lisburn Road outlet in Belfast on May 24.

The move will bring the total number of Danske branches in the north to 40, but the company has stated there will be no compulsory redundancies as a result

The closures continue the gradual decline in branches at the bank over the past decade, with over double the number (82) operational in 2010.

Overall, 154 bank branches have closed in the north since 2010

Danske Bank's managing director of personal banking and small business, Richard Caldwell said the decision to close the Belfast and Bangor branches was not taken lightly.

“The way customers use branches has changed significantly in recent years," he said.

"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 £3 million 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."

“On other occasions, unfortunately it means taking hard decisions to close certain branches that are being underused. We do not take such decisions lightly," Mr Caldwell added.

The Consumer Council has urged affected Danske Bank customers to review their arrangements in advance of the closures.

Scott Kennerley, director of financial services said:

"Before these latest closures we would advise customers to liaise with the branch and discuss their banking needs and alternative options available.

“If visiting a branch is still important to you, there might be alternative banking options available in your area, including accessing banking services at the Post Office."