Bank blow in Downpatrick

Bank blow in Downpatrick

26 March 2025

POLITICIANS are seeking urgent talks with the Financial Conduct Authority after Santander announced the closure of its Downpatrick branch.

The doors of the Market Street bank will close for the final time on August 6, leaving the town with just one bank.

Last November, Ulster bank closed its branch, while Bank of Ireland and First Trust have also withdrawn from the town centre.

With an increasing reliance on internet banking, High Street banks are accelerating closures at a rapid rate with the closure of Santander’s branch another blow to the local community.

Politicians have criticised the impending closure, warning the continued shift towards digital banking may be convenient for many but, for some, the lack of physical branches and being face-to-face with staff poses a major difficulty.

They are planning to raise their concern with the Financial Conduct Authority and express concern at the alarming number of bank closures across the district over recent years.

There are no banks in Newcastle — one of the province’s top resorts for visitors — while banks in Ballynahinch, Crossgar, Saintfield, Ardglass, Killyleagh, Killinchy, Portaferry and Comber have all closed.

The Ulster Bank branch in Castlewellan remains open with residents and business owners in the town hoping it continues to provide a much-needed service.

Santander’s Downpatrick branch is one of seven Northern Ireland branches earmarked for closure, with the bank defending its decision.

It says as customer behaviour changes, it is ensuring that its branches remain fit for the future. 

“Our new combination of full-service branches, alongside work cafés, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance,” said a Santander spokesperson.

“As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future.”

Santander said closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and the organisation spends a great deal of time assessing where and when it does this and how to minimise the impact it may have on customers.

It believes its vision for the future provides the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.

South Down MLAs Cathy Mason and Colin McGrath and Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin have criticised Santander for closing the branch.

“This is a major blow to the community in Downpatrick and the surrounding areas that rely on this branch for their banking needs,” said Mrs Mason.

“My immediate thoughts are with the workers impacted by this announcement who now face an uncertain future. All efforts must be made by Santander to redeploy and re-skill workers from this branch.”

Ms Mason also highlighted the key role banks play in local communities, and said she will be contacting Santander to raise concerns.

“Bank branches provide an essential service for many, particularly local people and small businesses who depend on in-person support,” she continued.

“The loss of this branch will be particularly difficult for our elderly and those in rural areas who may struggle with digital banking, and now face longer journeys to access banking facilities.”

Mrs Mason confirmed she will be contacting both Santander and the Financial Conduct Authority.

“I will also be seeking assurances on what measures will be put in place to support our community and the workers affected by this decision,” she added.

Mr McGrath summed his views on the closure in five words — another one bites the dust. 

“Santander’s Downpatrick’s branch is to close from August 6 and out High Streets are changing and there needs to be a real effort to help repurpose them to help those businesses that remaining,” he said, extending sympathy to staff who may find themselves out of a job.

Mr McGrath said the NI Executive’s High Street Task Force “needs to up its game”.

Cllr Sharvin described the closure decision as “extremely disappointing”.

He said while the bank points to reduced footfall and an uptake in digital banking, they forget that many people depend on a physical branch to complete their banking needs. 

He added: “For a town that use to have five main banks, we now have one in Danske Bank, alongside the great facilities of the Credit Union and the Post Office. 

“But we need support from central government to transform the former Ulster, Northern Bank and Bank of Ireland buildings into useable spaces.”