Santander has announced the closure of it Banbridge branch.
The bank announced the closure of 44 branches across the UK which puts 291 jobs at risk.
A spokesperson for Santander said: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers.
“We will continue to invest in both our branch network – comprising of full-service branches, counter-free branches, reduced-hour branches, Santander Locals, and our increasingly popular work cafes – as well as our digital banking services, so we can be there to support our customers however they choose to bank with us.”
It is the latest swathe of closures by the Spanish-owned bank and comes just less than a year after the closure of branches in Armagh, Portadown and Dungannon.
It leaves just Hill Street in Newry and Market Street in Lurgan as the last two local branches.
The Banbridge branch will close its doors on May 19.
Upper Bann Alliance MLA, Eoin Tennyson, said: “I am disappointed at this decision by Santander to close their Banbridge branch. This is concerning news for the local community and those who use face-to-face banking services.
“As a member of the Assembly’s Finance Committee, our previous inquiry into ‘Access to Cash’ took evidence on the negative impact bank closures have on the community and businesses in a local area. This is yet another visible presence on our high streets disappearing, leaving people in Banbridge without easy access to a Santander Branch with many having to travel to nearby towns.
“This will also be devastating news for staff within the branch, and my thoughts are with them as they process what comes next.”
