Plans by the Bank of Ireland to close two of its branches in Co Derry are a blow to the local economy, Sinn Fein’s Ian Milne has said.
The Mid-Ulster MLA was speaking at it was announced the bank was to make 54 staff redundant by closing eight branches across the North, including those in Maghera (pictured) and Draperstown in Co Derry.
Speaking to the Co Derry Post, Mr Milne said the news was “very disappointing,” particularly for the customers who use them.
He added: “As my constituency office is located in nearby Gulladuff, I have been availing off the services provided in Bank of Ireland's Maghera branch over recent years and always found the customer service provided by its managers and staff to be excellent.
"The news regarding the closure of the Maghera and Draperstown branches is a significant blow to our local economy and will greatly reduce service provision etc.”
Mr Milne concluded: “Again, it is rural dwellers who are bearing the brunt of the bank's drive for cost-cutting at a time when it is soon expected to announce significant profits."
Mr Milne concluded: "Our solidarity at this time is with the workers in all the branches earmarked for closure."
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