Northern Bank in Lisburn to open all day on Saturdays

The branch in Bow Street will be open from 9.30am until 4.30pm offering both a counter service and appointments.

Senior Branch Manager Katherine Morrow 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.

“Getting to a branch during the week can be difficult for some customers because of work or family commitments and often Saturday mornings are as hectic as weekdays. 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.”

Lisburn City Centre Manager Patricia Elliott welcomed the announcement as a ‘very positive move for both shoppers and retailers in Lisburn city centre’.

“In the current economic climate, being able to do your banking and discuss your financial needs at a time that suits busy lifestyles can only be good news for consumers” she said.

“Banks are an important part of the retail mix in any town or city and by opening for business longer on a Saturday Northern is helping to attract more Saturday footfall in the city. It is something fellow traders will undoubtedly welcome.”

Hilary Delaney from Thornbury’s Restaurant, said: “From a retailer’s point of view anything any initiative that attracts footfall into the town centre is good news and something to be welcomed.”

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.”