The Ulster Bank in Newcastle is to close its doors in February 2015.
In a shock announcement on Friday, an Ulster Bank official explained that the main reason for the impending closure was the increase in people using internet banking.
In the ROI there will be fourteen branch closures on the cards and Ulster Bank indicated that no further closures were expected to their current position of 74 local branches.
Political reaction to the announcemnt was quick in coming and local Newcastle Councillors were concerned and angry.
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The Ulster Bank is to close in Newcastle in February 2015.[/caption]
SDLP Councillor Laura Devlin Bitterly Disapponted At Newcastle Ulster Bank Announcement
Councillor Laura Devlin (SDLP) has spoken out in light of the announcement on Friday by Ulster Bank to close its Newcastle Branch.
Cllr Devlin said: “The proposed closure of the Newcastle Branch has come as another blow to the people of Newcastle. It is only a number of months since Danske Bank shut up shop. I am a customer of the Ulster Bank and any time I call into the Newcastle Branch it is extremely busy with staff working hard.
“I appreciate that internet banking is the norm now for many by way of their personal banking but lodging money remains an issue. Furthermore businesses within the town need access for lodgements and in these tough austere times, it is not good enough for cash to be lodged elsewhere and take over a day to be credited to an account.
“Representations have been made by Seán Rogers MLA to the banks and the Post Office to see if this lag time between lodging cash in the Post Office and getting it credited could be reduced.
“Newcastle has a significant retirement population, many of whom do not bank via the internet… nor do many not drive, so this further closure leaves them in a difficult position.
“This announcement comes only days after we received the good news that the Credit Union is opening on the site of the former Danske Bank so by way of financial services – we have good news in one hand and bad on the other.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke Feels The Anger In The Community
Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke (Sinn Féin), speaking following the announcement that the Ulster Bank is set to close its Newcastle Branch next February, said: “There is an strong sense of anger in the community that the local bank is set to close in February; this will leave a town the size of Newcastle with only one bank.
“The business people I have spoken to use the bank at least once every day. They find services such as the night safe and cheque lodgements particularly useful and with ambiguity over the future of the cash machine, they are anxious that people will have to leave the community to get cash and this could have a disadvantageous impact on the local economy.
“There is also a serious question to be asked about how this move will impact on the elderly and vulnerable groups in Newcastle who get paid their benefits into their bank accounts and who will now find difficulty in accessing their payments.
“Banks are gradually moving towards online services, but there are a lot of people who are not IT proficient and do not have access to a computer. I will be seeking a meeting with senior management from Ulster bank to highlight the extensive public opposition to the move and urge them to live up to their social responsibilities. We will do everything in our power to keep this vital service in Newcastle.”
UUP’s Dessie Patterson Said It Was Another Bad Blow For Newcastle
UUP Councillor Dessie Patterson, said: “I am very disapponted that the Ulster Bank are taking this step. I am a bank customer and it will cause me personally some disruption in my business.
“Newcastle needs its bsuness banking services as the town has seen some major invests in recent years much improving the prospects for local businesses with major events such as the Festival of Flight.
“Now we will have to go to the branches in Castlewellan or further afield to Kilkeel or Downpatrick. It is just not a good idea to keep lots of cash around and many businesses need the night safe and lodgement facility.”
Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke Says Ulster Bank Closure Will Have Serious Impact
Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has criticised Ulster Bank’s decision to close its Newcastle branch, claiming the move could seriously damage the area’s growing business and tourist industry.
The move leaves only one bank – the First Trust – operating in the town after Ulster Bank announced it was closing not only the branch, but removing the cash machine as well.
Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “This is an extremely worrying development and I am disappointed by Ulster Bank’s decision to close its Newcastle branch.
“Newcastle is a thriving, growing town, full of business and tourist opportunities. Ulster Bank’s decision leaves just one existing bank in the town and could hinder the on-going growth in the area.
” In the coming weeks I’ll be working to ensure Ulster Bank employees works closely with local people to offer any and all assistance needed.”
“I have already contacted Ulster Bank to meet with senior officials to discuss why no consultation took place before the announcement.”
Independent Unionist MLA John McCallister said the planned closure of Newcastle’s Ulster Bank is a terrible blow to the community and local economy.He added: “This comes months after the closure of Danske Bank and I do have major concerns particularly for the elderly population in Newcastle – many of whom have contacted me over the weekend.”
“Internet banking has taken over in a modern era, but we have to remember those who rely on the bank and in particular business owners who lodge money. It is not practical for them to have to drive to another town. This is hugely disappointing for a town the size of Newcastle.
“I would seek assurances from the bank that the cash machine is left in place. With Newcastle being a busy seaside town attracting thousands of visitors very week, especially in the summer time, we need as many cash machines as possible. The existing machines always have lengthy queues anytime I pass, so I can imagine the frustration people would feel with one less.”
Mr McCallister also welcomed news that Dromara and Drumgooland Credit Union is opening on the site of the former Danske Bank.
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