Anger as Ulster Bank unveils shutdown plan for Killyleagh

Anger as Ulster Bank unveils shutdown plan for Killyleagh

22 November 2017

ULSTER Bank customers in Killyleagh have reacted with concern to news that the town’s High Street branch will close next May.

The local branch is one of eight across the Province closing its doors, a decision which customers in Killyleagh fear has the potential to “rip the heart out of the town.”

The Ulster Bank said while the decision to close the Killyleagh branch was “difficult,” it provides customers with more ways to bank than ever before, explaining the way people bank has changed radically over the past few years with a significant reduction in the number of customers using branches.

Officials say they have extended the time between announcing the decision and the branch closure to six months to ensure customers have enough time to consider the right banking options for them and provide Ulster Bank time to support them during the transition.

A number of customers and business owners who spoke to the Recorder said they are annoyed the branch is to close, and some suggested the decision will have a knock-on effect on the local economy as there will be less people coming into the town.

Brigeen Henderson and Bobby McCready say the bank closure will have a major impact on elderly and vulnerable people who may not have access to internet banking and who would find it difficult to use the nearest Ulster Bank branch in Downpatrick.

Describing the closure as an “absolute disgrace,” Brigeen said banks are clearly intent on reducing the number of branches in rural locations and focus them in town centres.

“The decision will also impact on business owners and this is a real blow for Killyleagh,” said Brigeen. “This is more evidence of cutbacks which impact on the elderly and vulnerable in particular. The closure will also mean business owners can no longer lodge money in the bank’s night safe. 

“Other banks have closed in Crossgar and Killinchy and people will now have to make their way to Downpatrick. The loss of the face-to-face banking service in Killyleagh is also a concern.”

Kelly Anne McKendry said she fears the impact the closure will have on elderly people in particular, those with mobility problems and those who do not have access to transport to visit other branches.

“How will these people lodge money or make withdrawals? When the bank closes it is is inevitable that we will lose the cash machine, leaving us with just one in Killyleagh. People can use the Post Office for their banking needs but this does not always suit everyone and there is not the same level of banking services,” she said.

“What consideration has Ulster Bank given to those who do not have access to the internet? I would appeal to officials to reconsider this decision. Other bank branches around us have closed and this decision will leave the town isolated,” she added.

Describing the bank closure as “ridiculous,” Margaret Cousins, who works at the Little Gem fruit and vegetable shop in High Street, said it will have an impact on the town.

“Many of our customers are not happy with the decision, especially the elderly who like to be able to go into the bank and talk to staff. Many of these people do not have a computer, so internet banking is something they have no interest in. People of this generation want to speak with someone  face-to-face,” she said.

“This decision will have a wide impact. The bank has been part of Killyleagh for a very long time and many people will be sad to see it close. It has been a feature of life in the town for so long and as a customer I will have to use the Ulster Bank branch in Downpatrick which is not ideal.”

Margaret added: “Business owners now will have to go to Downpatrick to make lodgements. It is very hard to believe that after all these years they are going to close our bank. It is very sad and a blow for the town.”

Sharon Cruikshank, who owns Little Gem, is also concerned about the closure, adding: “This decision is concerning for many people. We are losing the only bank we have in the town.”