Ulster Bank approach betrays an utter lack of social responsibility

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has said that he is disappointed by the attitude of Ulster Bank following a meeting this morning where he pushed for the retention of services in their Gortin branch.

Ulster Bank has previously indicated that they intend to close the branch servicing the rural village.

Mr Byrne said

“Following the announcement of the closure of several Ulster Bank branches across the North, I was keen to meet with bank officials to pursue the retention of services for the rural area surrounding Gortin. Banking facilities are vital to the lives of small towns and villages across the region and Gortin is no exception.

“I met with officials today and made clear our frustrations with both the process and the outcome of the cavalier decision to close this branch. Ulster Bank saw fit to consult with none of their local customers prior to making this decision and made the announcement of the closure in the media where local people were left to deal with it.

 “Their approach betrays an utter lack of social responsibility. This is a geographically remote and isolated part of the North. Local services like banking are the lifeblood of villages and towns like Gortin and Ulster Bank have decided to cut it off.

“I have asked bank officials to seriously consider retaining a part time service at the Gortin branch. Mondays and Fridays remain the busiest banking days and it may therefore be more viable to open the local bank on those days, offering the company savings and local people an accessible service. I will continue to press for this option to be taken up and look forward to working more constructively with the officials in the weeks and months ahead.”