A MUTUAL will improve a North- East branch in a revamp aimed at strengthening its roots in the region.

Newcastle Building Society says it will bolster its base on Durham City’s Elvet Bridge.

The investment comes just days after the business officially opened a base in Darlington’s Horsemarket, to replace a smaller operation in the town’s Skinnergate, and confirmed to The Northern Echo that it plans to create 130 jobs this year.

Under the latest changes, bosses say its work in Durham will be matched by improvements to operations in Carlisle and Berwick, with sites in Dumfries and Gibraltar identified for closure later this year, which will affect 12 staff.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive, said: “We are committed to our heartland area and are continuing to invest in a modern high street branch network that is designed around customers.

“Our roots are in the North-East and we are here to deliver a strong, sustainable building society.

“Closures are always regrettable and we will ensure customers and staff are fully supported.”

Last week, the Echo revealed the mutual aims to add to its workforce to continue satisfying an ever-changing market.

Bosses are seeking to build on last year when the business created 118 posts after the initial impact of a £10m investment programme to revamp branches and its website was complemented by continued customer demand, which delivered higher mortgage lending and profits.

Mr Haigh said he wants to maintain such momentum, with around 130 jobs identified across customer service and technical positions, including posts in its financial services subsidiary.

He also confirmed the firm will keep assessing areas for expansion, highlighting the success of a previous decision to create a library-based mutual in Yarm, near Stockton.