Danske branch closure ‘bad day’ for Ballynahinch

Danske branch closure ‘bad day’ for Ballynahinch

4 July 2018

ANOTHER local bank is to close it doors.

Danske Bank has revealed that its Ballynahinch branch will close in October.

The move has been criticised by local politicians who are concerned at the scale of wholesale closures over recent years.

Danske, First Trust and Ulster banks have closed branches and sub-offices in Ardglass, Castlewellan, Crossgar, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Killinchy, Killyleagh, Portaferry and Saintfield as they seek to focus their respective operations on large branches and online banking.

Politicians fear the presence of bank branches in rural areas will soon be a thing of the past, highlighting the impact closures have on elderly customers in particular and those who do not have access to the internet. 

They are also concerned at the impact the closure of so many branches at the stroke of a pen is having on the local economy with many businesses forced to make alternative arrangements when it comes to lodging money.

Richard Caldwell, Danske’s managing director of personal banking and small business, said the way customers use branches had “changed significantly in recent years”, explaining many are now choosing to use different ways to bank, such as digital or telephone banking.  

“As a business, we must respond to these changes, therefore priorities for investment will adapt and change. For example, over the past year we have invested in transformational upgrades of several of our key branches, including Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards,” he continued, confirming Danske is retaining its cash dispensing machine in Ballynahinch.

“We do not take decisions to close branches lightly and I have written to our Ballynahinch branch customers to assure them that we remain committed to continuing to meet their banking needs and to inform them about the many different ways to bank with us.”

Mr Caldwell added: “Over the coming weeks we will be organising support sessions for any customers needing further guidance. If any of our customers are concerned, I would encourage them to speak to us. We will do everything we can to help them.”

The closure of the branch leaves Ballynahinch with just one bank.

The decision has been criticised by Strangford MLA Peter Weir and Rowallane councillor Billy Walker.

Mr Weir said he was “very disappointed” the branch will close in a few months’ time.

“Given previous noises of the branch’s future being under consideration it is perhaps not unsurprising but, nevertheless, the withdrawal of this service is a blow to Ballynahinch and the customers who use it,” he said.

“I have been reassured that there will be no job losses and that staff will be redeployed locally. I also welcome commitments of the retention of the bank’s cash machine in the town and that many of the banking arrangements will be able to be carried out through the Post Office.”

Mr Weir said the branch closure will create inconvenience for local customers, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable, urging customers to speak directly to Danske Bank about alternative arrangements.

The MLA added: “There is no disguising the fact that this is a sad day for Ballynahinch and its residents.”

Cllr Walker said the closure will be “roundly condemned by customers and business owners” and expressed concern the town has been left with just one bank.

“I have lost count of the number of bank branches across the district which have been closed over recent years and now we have confirmation of another one,” he said.

“It would appear the major banks are not committed to their customers in rural areas across this district,” he declared.

“Banks are at the heart of communities in villages and small towns, providing key services to a wide range of people. But branches are closing at an alarming rate and what about customers who do not have access to internet banking? They will be hardest hit.”

Cllr Walker added: “My main worry is that the closure will have an major impact and the reduced footfall could potentially impact on other businesses in the town.”