Disappointment as town's last bank branch to close
BBCLarne residents have expressed their disappointment that the town's last remaining bank branch is to close.
Santander announced on Wednesday it is set to close 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk.
The decision to shut its Larne branch is part of a wider shift towards online banking, with the bank citing a "rapid movement of customers choosing to do their banking digitally."
However, a new banking hub has been announced in the County Antrim town to help fill the gap left by the closure.
The closure, expected later this year, will leave the nearest physical bank branch in Newtownabbey or Ballymena, which some residents have said is a significant journey for those reliant on in-person services.
Other towns in Northern Ireland which are losing their Santander branches are Armagh, Strabane, Magherafelt, Downpatrick, Dungannon and Portadown.
While digital transactions have surged by nearly two-thirds since 2019, some Larne residents said many customers, including some elderly people, still depend on face-to-face banking.
People with learning difficulties and the elderly
Barry Mills, from the town, voiced his frustration.
"How are people meant to cope? How is an old person or someone with learning difficulties meant to cope":[]}