Lancaster and Morecambe building society branches to close

The building society said the decision to close the offices in Church Street, Lancaster, and Euston Road, Morecambe is based on the steady decline in customer usage compared to other branches.

It is also closing its Kendal branch, with all three offices to close on Friday May 20.

The Society has written to all its members who will be affected by these changes, explaining the reason for the change and the ways in which their customers can continue to operate their savings and mortgage accounts, either remotely or through any other branch of the Society.

Rob Pheasey, Marsden CEO said: “At a time when the Society is investing in its branch networks in other parts of Lancashire, our decision to exit from three locations wasn’t easy.

“During 2015 we completed the branch review across central Lancashire leading to the relocation and refurbishment of three offices, the closure of a branch in Blackburn and opening of a new branch in Garstang.

“In the coming year, the Marsden will open new branches in Clitheroe and Poulton.

“The decision to close the agency offices followed a steady decline in customer usage, in contrast to other locations, and an increase in the number of members who are choosing to operate their savings remotely.

He added: “We recognise the impact that agency closure will have on those members who regularly use the offices to manage their savings.

“To support our members, the agency teams will be available up to May 20 and we have introduced a dedicated Helpline to support members looking to switch to remote savings. For our members who want to continue to manage their accounts in branch they can do so at any other office of the Society”.

The agency offices will continue to operate as normal up to the 20 May and the Marsden team is available to answer any questions from members in the meantime.