Ulster Bank branches to close in local towns

Ulster Bank branches to close in local towns

22 November 2023

ULSTER Bank is closing its branches in Downpatrick and Ballynahinch next year.

The doors will close for the final time on November 19, leaving Downpatrick with just two banks — Danske and Santander.

Ulster Bank says the decision was made “after careful consideration” of a wide range of factors including changes in customer branch usage over a long period of time, the types of transactions they undertake and ways customers can bank locally.

Over recent years, Bank of Ireland and First Trust have closed their branches in Downpatrick.

The decision by Ulster Bank to leave the town criticised by South Down MLA, Colin McGrath.

He expressed disappointment at the decision and accused the bank of “turning its back” on the people of Downpatrick.

Mr McGrath is urging Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the Department for Economy to enter into discussions with banks about the development of a so-called banking hub for the county town. 

“People need access to financial services and not all can be completed online or over the phone,” he said. “I hope that something positive can emanate from this closure.”

The Ulster Bank said the closure reflected its strategy to support customers with both face to face and online banking services, revealing that only 18 customers currently use the Downpatrick branch weekly.

“We take our responsibility seriously and are committed to not making any further changes to our branch network before 2026. We will also be investing over £3m into our network over the next two years, following £3.25m of investment made in 2023,” the bank said in a statement.

“We are communicating with our customers affected by the closure and contacting regular branch users. Those that still need branch services will be able to use Ulster Bank Castlewellan.”

The bank said its customer support specialists are proactively contacting customers who use the Downpatrick branch to provide dedicated support.

“As well as helping with access to banking services, the support extends to building financial capability in areas such as fraud and scam awareness and digital capability,” the statement continues.

“Following the closure, our community pop-up will also be available for customers to visit to receive face-to-face cashless support.”

Ulster Bank says customers do not need to take any action and there will be no disruption to their service.