The HALIFAX is to close its Cavendish Street branch after more than 50 years, transferring all its business to an extensively-refurbished Low Street branch in June.

The move will involve "substantial" investment, and demonstrates the former building society's commitment to Keighley.

Business will be conducted from the Cavendish Street branch - a former department store - from March 23 until the refurbishment of the Low Street premises is completed. No jobs will be affected by the move.

District manager Mike Simmonds says: "I am pleased that after many years we are able to substantially improve our representation in the town. For some time we have operated at two sites, but to some extent neither has had the capacity to offer the overall level of customer service we would wish for."

The newly refurbished Low Street branch will have customer priorities in mind, with more till positions, more interview areas, a larger reception area and three cash machines - two of which will be available outside normal opening hours.

The Halifax has also given much thought to access to the office, with automatic doors and improved entry for the mobility-impaired and parents with prams.

Mike's assistant and office manager Vanessa Cartwright says: "We know it will be a tight squeeze in Cavendish Street for a few weeks, but we are sure our customers will be very pleased with the plans for the new branch.

"It is only two or three minutes walk from Cavendish Street, on the other side of the Airedale Centre, and we are very much looking forward to the re-opening in June."

The Halifax takes a strong interest in local affairs, and is a funding partner in the Keighley Town Centre Management Group.

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