A MUTUAL says switching to a new branch in a town represents its commitment to members and the region.

Newcastle Building Society today (Friday, May 5) officially opened a base in Darlington’s Horsemarket to replace a smaller operation in the town’s Skinnergate.

Bosses say the move will increase the business’ presence in Darlington to meet enduring demand for its traditional over-the-counter services.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive, said the switch was all about ensuring the mutual continues to provide customers with a personal touch.

Speaking to gathered guests, including a number of members, he said: “This is your branch; this is for you.

“It is a symbol of a few things for us, mainly our commitment to Darlington.

“As the region’s building society, it is an important branch for us.

“I came along here a few weeks ago and it was shrouded in scaffolding and I thought, ‘really, is this going to happen?’ “But it has and this facility is spacious, modern and exactly what we need. The barriers have come down and we can talk to people over the counter.

“We are delighted to be here.”

The investment comes after the building society made changes to a number of its locations and returned to Yarm, near Stockton, in what officials say is the UK’s first library-based mutual.

The company also saw both mortgage lending and profits rise last year, despite a competitive landscape, after building on a £10m growth programme.