Customers of Northern Bank in Ballymena will soon be able to do their shopping and their banking on a Saturday when the branch becomes the first local bank in the town centre to open for customers all day on Saturdays. 

Northern Bank will be open from 9.30am until 4.30pm every Saturday offering both a counter service and appointments.

Councillor Hubert Nicholl; Donna Adams, Northern Bank Ballymena; Chris Wales, Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Carol Wilson, Senior Branch Manager

Senior Branch Manager Carol Wilson said: “Consumer habits are changing and as a retailer, we want to be able to offer our customers more choice and flexibility in terms of when they visit their bank or arrange a face to face meeting.  Getting to a branch during the week can be difficult for some customers because of work or family commitments and Saturday mornings can be as hectic as weekdays for many families.  Our new opening hours will make it easier and more convenient for our customers to do their banking when it suits them and not the other way around.”

Councillor Hubert Nicholl welcomed the announcement about the enhanced service, saying: “This is a very positive move for both shoppers and retailers in the town.  In the current economic climate, being able to call into the branch or make a weekend banking appointment will be a convenient new option for many people with busy lifestyles.  I have no doubt this is something Ballymena consumers will welcome.”

Chris Wales, Business Development Manager of Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry added: “Ballymena is a busy, vibrant shopping town and banks are an important part of this retail mix.  As the first local bank to open all day on a Saturday, Northern Bank is also playing an important part in helping Saturday trade in the town.  This is a positive move from Northern Bank and the news will certainly be a boost for other retailers.”

Antoinette McKeown, the CEO of the Consumer Council added:  “The Consumer Council has been working with banks operating in Northern Ireland to make the consumer voice heard through our Banking Manifesto . Consumers have been telling us that they want to have access to their local branch at a time that is convenient to them.  The Consumer Council welcomes the fact that Northern Bank has listened to what consumers need and will continue to work with the bank in the best interests of consumers.”