McKevitt says Ulster Bank closure latest blow to Warrenpoint community
SDLP councillor Karen McKevitt has said the closure of the Ulster Bank branch in Warrenpoint is another blow to the local community.
She said it was the “last bank operating in the local area and was leaving people with few banking options without having to travel. It follows on from the announced closure of the Danske Bank branch in Kilkeel last week.”
Councillor McKevitt added: “It is deeply disappointing that Ulster Bank have decided to close their branch in Warrenpoint. This was the last bank branch operating in the area and means that anyone who wants to do their banking in-person will face significant travel to do so.
“While I appreciate this decision will have been partly caused by changing trends and people moving to online banking this is not the case for everyone.
“Many people, particularly older generations have yet to make the transition to banking online, and I know many local people will be concerned about how they will carry out their banking transactions going forward.
“Following this closure my thoughts are with the staff impacted and I will be liaising with them to find out exactly how they will be affected. While I understand the need to move with the times and modernise local banking practices, going forward we need to establish a way of banking that allows everyone to access vital services in a way that’s right for them. Otherwise, we face the disappearance of physical banking in towns and villages across the North in the years ahead.
“It will also have very serious implications for businesses, especially if they need to lodge takings.”
