BUNCLODY RESIDENTS came out in their hundreds to show support on Friday for a protest against the closure of the AIB branch on the Mainstreet, which took place that day.

The protest, led by Chairman of Bunclody Community Council, Derek Nally, began at 10.30 a.m and had already garnered hundreds of support by just noon.

It continued through the day until 5 p.m, and people lined up to sign their signature agreeing that the closure of the bank is a loss to the town.

Mr. McNally, who stayed in the same spot for the duration of the day, said he was delighted with the backing he received from the locals.

“People have been very supportive. I myself have been with the bank for 46 years and I think this is a grave mistake. I can go up to the Enniscorthy if I want to but this is leaving a void in a small community.

“It will damage businesses and affect rural communities. The banks are no longer people-centered, it’s all about profit now. They don’t care about the people who use their services.

Businesses from around the town agreed that the closure of the bank would affect their customers, and ultimately their work.

Mary O’Neil, owner of Sugar & Spice Bakery and Café, said that the loss of AIB would directly affect her:

“It’s just awful for us – it will no doubt affect the lunch trade, people who would go to do their business in the bank would usually stop in for lunch then. Even those who would go to the bank and then stop in for a cup of coffee – I’m sure that will stop now.”

Butcher Charles Meyler added that ‘there will now be a blank space in the town’. He said: “People going to banks in Enniscorthy now will just shop there so there will be a major affect. Additionally there are two retail centres proposed for either side of the town so with the combination of that and the bank closing, theMain Streetwill be devastated.”

For the full story, see this week’s edition of The Echo.