THE Bradford branch of The Co-operative Bank is earmarked for closure as part of a cull of 18 sites and 350 jobs up and down the country. 

The bank said it has not been immune to the effects of recent months, as low interest rates hit the income of all lenders.

More customers are also choosing to bank online, and making fewer transactions in branches, chief executive Andrew Bester said.

Bosses promised to try to redeploy staff where possible, and will consult with them and the unions.

The city centre branch of the bank is on Tyrrel Street.

The Bradford Civic Society said of the news: "We’re disappointed to hear that Co-operative Bank are closing their Bradford branch – housed within the impressive Grade II-listed Prudential Assurance building.

"Designed by renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse, the building is a rare splash of red in a golden sandstone city."

But, they added: "That said, what a great opportunity to introduce something with a more animated frontage onto the little Ivegate square – it could really help rejuvenate an historic corner of the city centre."

Rob MacGregor at Unite said that the union is “deeply disappointed” by the decision to cut staff and close branches.

“Job losses are always unwelcome, however, given the repeated restructuring exercises that this workforce has been through over the past 10 years the news today will be particularly painful,” he said.

“During these extremely testing economic times, Unite wants all employers to work with the trade union to avoid job losses and protect the livelihoods of our members.

“Unite will continue to press The Co-operative Bank to put strategies in place to secure as many jobs as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies.”

The 18 branches will be closed by December 1 this year.

Co-operative Bank said it had chosen the sites after analysing their footfall over the last 12 months.

It will write to affected customers to let them know what alternatives are available.

Mr Bester said: “Our people have shown great dedication and commitment to our customers over the past few months, so we are very sorry to announce this news today.

“Unfortunately, we’re not immune to the impact of recent events, with the historically low base rate affecting the income of all banks and a period of prolonged economic uncertainty ahead, which means it’s important we reduce costs and have the right-sized operating model in place for the future.

“At the same time, we are responding to the continuing shift of more and more customers choosing to bank online, with lower levels of transactions in branches, a trend which has been increasing for some time, across the banking sector and more broadly.”

The 18 branches proposed for closure are:

Ashton

Bradford

Cambridge

Chatham

Chester

Chichester

City of London

Dartford

Halesowen

Harrogate

Luton

Oxford

Rotherham

Solihull

Truro

Wakefield

Walsall

York