The closure of the Dungiven branch of Danske Bank is a major setback for the town, Sinn Féin MLA Cathal ó hOisín has said.
The bank has announced branches in Maghera and Dungiven will close on 14 November next with customers set to receive letters informing them of the decision over the next few days.
The Dungiven branch will merge with the Limavady branch while the Maghera branch will merge with the Magherafelt branch.
The bank said staff at both branches would be relocated so there would be no job losses.
Mr Ó hOisín said the clsoures were a major blow to the entire rural community.
He said: “Apart from the threat of local jobs losses local banks will lose relationships built up with its customer base over the years by dealing face to face with them which is something that Internet banking cannot replace.
“There is also a problem with internet access in rural areas which will mean customers having to travel to either Derry, Limavady or Magherafelt to access their nearest branch
“If the Dungiven branch is closed it will also mean that other businesses will feel the knock on effect as footfall in the village will be down.
“This is the latest in a line of banks removing services to the rural communities and I am calling on Danske to review its decision.”
Commenting on the announcement, Tony Wilcox, Danske Bank’s Managing Director of Personal Banking, said: “Consumer behaviour in an increasingly digital world is changing the face of traditional banking. Customers now visit branches less frequently and many are using other convenient ways to bank. To keep pace with these changes we continue to increase our investment in alternative banking channels such as telephone banking, online banking and mobile banking”.
Mr Wilcox continued: “I fully understand that this news may be disappointing for our customers, but I can assure them that Danske Bank remains committed to continuing to meet their banking needs.”
Over the coming weeks customers will find details in the Dungiven and Maghera branches of support sessions that Danske Bank will be holding there prior to the merger with the Limavady and Magherafelt branches. These sessions, available outside of normal banking hours, will offer further guidance on the different banking channels that Danske Bank can offer. Customers can register their interest in attending one of these support sessions, by speaking to any member of the team in both branches.
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