A NEW bank is opening in a County Durham market town.

Newcastle Building Society has announced plans to open a new branch in Barnard Castle as part of a multi-million pound branch investment programme.

The full service and financial advice branch will be one of 28 branches across the North-East.

It will be located in the centre of the town.

Stuart Miller, customer director, said: “It’s fantastic news for Barnard Castle and the Society as a whole. While many financial institutions are closing branches across the region, we see our branches as being central to our strategy of supporting local people, the region’s high streets and the local communities in which we operate. We’re giving our customers access to more facilities at a time when a number of banks have left Barnard Castle with limited options.”

The new branch will employ six full and part-time staff and local people are invited to get in touch if they are interested.

Mr Miller added: “It’s a positive move for Newcastle Building Society and for the people of Barnard Castle and its surroundings. Our new Barnard Castle branch will mean we can help more customers with additional services, improved facilities and extra space.”