By Iveren McCallion
The MP here says planned First Bank branch closures will have a negative impact on high streets.
South Down and Armagh are to lose five First Trust bank branches - Armagh, Banbridge, Downpatrick, Portadown and Warrenpoint.
Ten others will be closed across Northern Ireland.
It will happen over the summer with services moving to nearby branches.
Mrs Ritchie told Q Radio that the banks play an integral role in the regeneration of town centres.
And she believes the closures will be a blow to locals.
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