Full list of 95 Santander branch closures including seven in Northern Ireland - full list

Santander UK has today announced that 95 of the bank’s existing 444 branches are set to close.

This includes seven branches in Northern Ireland. The bank said it will be left with 349 branches in the UK, with 36 of these set to be reduced hours branches, 18 counter-free branches and five Work Cafés.

A spokesperson for Santander UK, said: “As customer behaviour changes, we are ensuring that our branches remain fit for the future. Our new combination of full-service branches, alongside Work Cafés, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.

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"As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future.

“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.

"However, we believe that the introduction of our new Community Bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and Work Cafés, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.”

A statement added: "Approximately 750 colleagues would be placed at risk of redundancy if the proposals proceed after consultation with the unions has been completed."

Santander Northern Ireland branch closures:

Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh has described the announced closure of Santander in Strabane 'as a serious blow to the local community'.

The West Tyrone MLA said: “As the last walk-in, face to face banking service in the town, this represents a severe blow to the local community.

“While the continued shift towards digital banking may be convenient for many, there remain lots of people for whom the lack of physical branches poses severe difficulty.

"My thoughts are particularly with the workers affected by this announcement and their families.

“Santander said that it will work to ensure some customer support and cash services are still available for customers after this branch closes. This might include Community Hubs, Community Bankers or Post Offices.

“Sinn Féin requesting a meeting with Santander to press the need to continue to provide the maximum level of services post closure as well as seeking assurances regarding the future of workers at the Branch."

Speaking about the Downpatrick branch closure, SDLP MLA for South Down Colin McGrath said: "And another one bites the dust. Santander to close from August. Our High Streets are changing and there needs to be a real effort to help repurpose them to help those businesses that remain. Executive's High Street Task Force needs to up its game! Sorry for staff locally."

Full list of closures and closure date:

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