DARLINGTON Building Society said it is doing what it can to "minimise any inconvenience to customers" after deciding to close three agency branches due to a fall in demand.

The three outlets - which are based in solicitors' offices at Crook, Stanhope and Shildon - will shut following close of business on Friday, August 12.

Colin Fyfe, the chief executive of Darlington Building Society said: “The Society has reluctantly given notice to affected members advising them of the closure of its agency branches based in Shildon, Crook and Stanhope.

“The decision was prompted by a review of the arrangements in Shildon and Crook by the Society together with Quality Solicitors Smith Roddam. After careful consideration it was concluded that the arrangements were no longer financially viable and following extensive discussions the decision was made to close these branches. We subsequently reviewed our operations in Stanhope which are in place with Hodgson & Angus Solicitors and ultimately determined that we would also close this agency which is not in any way a reflection on the services provided by Hodgson & Angus.

“Affected members of the Society have been given 12 weeks personal written notice of the closure and are being helped to maintain their account relationships with Darlington Building Society by being directed to other local branches with the nearest being in Bishop Auckland. They will also be provided with pre-paid envelopes on request and will be encouraged to set up standing orders. The Society will do all it can to minimise any inconvenience to its customers.

Mr Fyfe added that the staff at each of the agency branches are "personally unaffected" by the closure decisions.

He concluded: “Darlington Building Society has delivered a strong financial performance in recent years and has been investing heavily in refurbishing and upgrading its branch network as well as in new technology to create a more convenient offering and provide more choice for customers.”