Latest Bangor bank closure a ‘kick in the teeth’

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Main Street Branch Bangor, to close in May 25.

By Julie Waters

THE closure of another bank in the heart of Bangor has been described as a ‘kick in the teeth’ for the city and a ‘devastating blow’ for older and vulnerable customers.

The Main Street branch of Halifax is to close its doors on May 29, following an announcement by Lloyds Banking Group that it will shut 136 branches by March next year.

It is the latest in a string of bank closures in the city centre, with Barclays shutting its doors last year after a similar move by AIB, both in Main Street.

Lloyds Banking Group has stated that customers are increasingly using digital channels for their day to day banking, and 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland branches will be closed gradually from May.

According to recent press reports, the bank has said that all workers at the affected branches will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company.

However, this latest banking closure has been strongly criticised by local politicians who have made fresh calls for a banking hub to be established in the city to support residents ‘who have been left stranded by a string of bank closures’.

North Down MP Alex Easton urged the bank to reconsider the closure decision.

“This decision is a huge blow to the people of Bangor, particularly for older and vulnerable customers who rely on face-to-face banking services,” he said.

“While I appreciate that banking habits are changing, many residents still depend on their local branch for essential services, and this closure will cause considerable inconvenience.”

Mr Easton also raised ‘serious concerns about the ongoing decline of in-person banking facilities’.

“Despite Halifax’s reassurances about a community banker being available in an alternative location, this is not an adequate substitute for a fully operational branch,” added the MP.

“Bangor is a growing city, and I believe that banks should be investing in customer service rather than reducing access to it.” 

Mr Easton also highlighted the impact on local businesses, which he said would face further challenges in handling cash transactions and other banking needs. 

North Down MLA Stephen Dunne also voiced his ‘extreme disappointment’ stating the bank closure would have a serious impact on ‘individuals, businesses, particularly older and vulnerable customers who rely on in-person banking services’.

“Many of these customers do not have access to online banking or prefer face-to-face interactions when managing their finances. It will also jeopardise the livelihoods of the hardworking staff within the branch.”

“This is yet another kick to the teeth for Bangor City Centre following the closure of several other bank branches, the public enquiry office within the police station and question marks around the future of Bangor Post Office.”

He also dismissed the proposed alternative of a community banker stating it was ‘in no way an adequate replacement for a functioning bank branch’.

Said Mr Dunne: “I will be writing to Halifax to urge them to reconsider and I will also be making the case to the relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a banking hub in Bangor to assist local residents who have been left stranded by a string of bank closures.”