Bank closures "abdication of responsibility", claims MLA

The Bank of Ireland is "abdicating it's duty to rural dwellers and businesses", according to West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan.

The SDLP assemblyman made the comments yesterday, following a meeting with bank officials on Monday afternoon.

It's over plans to shut the Bank's operations in Castlederg and Belleek.

In July, the Bank of Ireland announced the closure of eight local branches - reducing it's presence on the ground to 28 by the time plans are carried out.

Some of the branches set to close are in Antrim, Castlereagh, Draperstown, Belleek, Castlederg, Newtownards, Maghera and Donegall Square South, Belfast.

The move to close Belleek's branch has been met with widespread criticism, sparking daily protests last week. They were met with approval by the First Minister and Fermanagh native, Arlene Foster, who signed a petition to the bank's chief urging him not to allow the local bank to be closed.

But, Daniel McCrossan says, following Monday's meeting, that it's clear that the Bank remain adamant about closing branches.

"The chief executive, Des Crowley, said that regardless that there is no other bank, no other option for people in Belleek, they're not willing to reconsider the proposal - in fact, they are adamant that they are pulling out of these areas to ensure that the bank remains viable in the future - which to me means: make more profits and fill their own pockets," he told Q Radio news.

The Strabane-based MLA said he was also concerned about the implications of the move for customers in terms of security and levels of service.

"First thing's first, the bank are abdicating their responsibility to provide a service to rural dwellers and businesses in Castlederg and Belleek," he said.

"Whenever we had asked about alternatives, we were simply told: post offices. But everyone knows that post offices have now changed in how they operate, in that they're placed next to a shop counter in a convenience store. That isn't suitable if you're trying to do private business," he added.

"It also leaves people in very rural areas wide open where we have huge issues with rural crime - this will lead to further exposure for people who are already in very vulnerable circumstances," he said.

Similarly, he told Q Radio news that he felt that customers' loyalty had been abused by the decision to close branches.

"As far as I'm concerned, the bank don't have a plan B," said Mr. McCrossan.

"I don't think they realise the implications this will have because people in rural areas don't have sufficient access to broadband or telephone services. That'll leave them very much isolated financially - leaving without access to finance," he said.

"I think the bank will struggle to fill the gap left by this decision, and they would be reckless if they did not fill that gap adequately - particularly in the context of people who have been loyal for a long number of years," he added.