RBS urged to consider bank closure

RBS urged to consider bank closure

17 December 2014

SENIOR officials from the Royal Bank of Scotland will today be asked to abort plans to close the Ulster Bank branch in Newcastle.

The closure issue will top the agenda during a meeting in Newry when bank officials will meet local politicians and representatives from Newcastle Chamber of Commerce.

The closure of the Main Street branch was announced last month and today’s meeting has been welcomed by councillor Patrick Clarke. He plans to quiz them on why there was no public consultation on the controversial plan to close the Main Street branch next February.

“There is major concern about the proposed closure and the loss of the night safe and cash dispensing machine services. The sudden announcement that the Newcastle branch is to close came as a major shock to many, in particular, members of the Newcastle business community,” he said.

“Business owners would use the Ulster Bank three or four times a week to make lodgements to ensure they do not have large amounts of cash in their respective premises. These people rely heavily on having access to a local bank.”

Councillor Clarke said Ulster Bank customers who do not have access to on-line banking also rely on face-to-face contact with staff at the Newcastle branch.

He continued: “I hope we can convince bank officials that given Newcastle is a busy town and premier tourist destination, it deserves to have the Main Street branch retained. As things currently stand, customers will from next February have to use Ulster Bank branches in Castlewellan, Downpatrick or Kilkeel.

“There has been enormous support for a petition opposing the closure of the Newcastle branch and major concern in the town that the resort could be left with just one bank.”

Councillor Clarke said he hopes today’s meeting will allow councillors and Newcastle Chamber of Commerce to voice concern about the proposed closure and appeal for the decision to be overturned.