Crumlin community reeling over Ulster Bank closure

"It's a cornerstone for us and I can't see the reason why we have to do without it."

These are the words of salon owner Peter Burke ahead of the closure of the Ulster Bank in Crumlin, County Antrim on Wednesday.

The bank said counter transactions at the branch had decreased by 37% between 2019 and 2023.

However, it said it would be providing a community pop-up bank for about three months.

Mr Burke has owned a hair salon in the County Antrim village for more than two decades.

"I'm upset and disappointed. I've always used the bank and it's a great part of our community," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra at his salon.

"I can't see the reason why we have to do without a bank. I worry about the loss of the personal touch and having someone friendly to help people, particularly vulnerable people, with their problems."

Some business owners in the area concede the closure of the bank could lead to a decline in footfall, but they hope it won't be too dramatic.

The closure of the bank is part of a wider change to Ulster Bank's network.

It announced last year that it would shut 10 branches as more customers move online.

In a statement Ulster Bank said it will be providing a community pop up from March 25 for 12 weeks, to support customers with a "digital first approach to their banking needs and enquiries".

It added that it takes its "responsibility seriously" to support those facing challenges moving online.

People in Crumlin will be able to use a Post Office counter within the local shop to do some of their banking.

Eithne McGuigan who runs the café across the road from the bank, said it's a topic on the minds of her regulars.

She uses the bank for personal and business needs.

"It is going to be badly missed. This has dominated conversations in the town.

"The older folk would go into the bank to do their transactions and it's going to be hard for them."

She said the alternative of using the Post Office is "not handy".

"There is a queue most of the time, but with the bank you are in and out.

"I don't know if I will change bank. There isn't going to be another bank in this town and I don't go anywhere else," she added.

Despite Crumlin's population growth over the years, the community still has strong rural ties and industries.

Stuart Coulter, a farm labourer who lives just outside the village, said the farming community will feel the closure immensely.

"It is a big loss for them. The farmers would, at least once or twice a week, be in checking their accounts and I know a couple who don't have online banking and don't have any interest in using it.

"Farming is not a nine to five job - to try and take time out to go elsewhere to another branch is not going to happen - I don't understand the decision at all."