First Trust reassure customers over closure

First Trust has moved to reassure customers that the transfer of accounts following the closure of the Banbridge Branch is purely administrative.
©Matt Mackey/Presseye.com - Press Eye Ltd -Northern Ireland -©Matt Mackey/Presseye.com - Press Eye Ltd -Northern Ireland -
©Matt Mackey/Presseye.com - Press Eye Ltd -Northern Ireland -

The Banbridge branch of First Trust is to close on August 4 with accounts set to be moved to the Newry location. There are concerns that this would mean customers are forced to transfer and travel to Newry to do their banking.

A spokesperson said: “The accounts of customers affected by the closure of our branches will be automatically transferred to an alternative branch for administration purposes only.

“The operation of their accounts will not be impacted as account numbers and sort codes will remain the same. Our customers can avail of the products and services in any of our branches across Northern Ireland.”

To support and minimise any inconvenience through the transition, the Bank will write to impacted customers in advance to tell them how to use alternative branches, services and transact at the Post Office.

They added: “From May 8, our customers will be able to use any of the 500 Post Offices across Northern Ireland as an alternative way to bank with us locally. The closest Post Office to our Banbridge branch is on Church Street, 0.35 miles away from the current branch. There is also a Post Office half a mile away on Newry Street and another on Banbridge Road and three free to use ATMs on Bridge Street.”

We are also significantly extending the hours for our Direct Customer Contact Banking services and delivering enhanced online and mobile services”