Bank closures will 'impact negatively' on town centres

by Gillian McDade

A meeting between representatives of the First Trust Bank and Mid-Ulster councillors has proved to be 'disappointing.'

The cross party delegation enabled councillors to raise concerns with the bank.

It follows the recent announcement that branches in Cookstown and Magherafelt are to close this summer.

Both towns have been included in a closure plan which will see 15 of the 30 existing branches disappear across Northern Ireland.

First Trust Bank is consolidating its services in response to more people banking online.

At the meeting, councillors expressed fears about potential job losses and the negative impact on both town centres.

They also highlighted the challenges faced by customers accessing online banking services – given the lack of fast broadband in Mid Ulster.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Trevor Wilson, who led the delegation, says the discussion on the impact of these closures, primarily on staff and the affected customers was ‘robust.’

He says they received assurances that the bank is committed to a voluntary led approach - they are currently in consultation with the Financial Services Union.

 “I would encourage customers to get in contact with their local branch to discuss any problems or concerns,” he adds.

Speaking after the meeting Des Moore, Head of First Trust Bank says they outlined the steps they are taking to minimise the impact on customers.

 “We are keen that customers have time to understand all the alternatives available to them. As well as direct communication with all customers we will be hosting a number of branch-based events in the coming weeks to answer any specific customer queries and further explain the options available to them,” he says.

And he adds that they are doubling the hours of their customer telephone banking service – this will now operate 8am to midnight seven days a week to facilitate many routine transactions.

Two business hubs will be created in Dungannon and Ballymena.