Smart new look for the Cumberland’s Annan branch
The people of Annan have given an enthusiastic welcome to the town’s new-look Cumberland Building Society branch.
The High Street premises reopened on Tuesday following a three-month closure for refurbishment.
New features include easy disabled access with an automatic door and accessible counters, hearing loops, dimmable lights, a tranquil green colour scheme, softer acoustics and digital displays showcasing local landmarks such as Threave Castle, Hestan Island and the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall.
First through the door was Elspeth Johnstone, 72, of Powfoot, a Cumberland Building Society member for 51 years.
She said: “It looks lovely but the best thing about the branch is the people. You really get to know them and can speak to them one-to-one. That’s important to me because, like a lot of people my age, I don’t do internet banking.”
During the temporary closure, the Cumberland held weekly drop-in sessions at the nearby Old Bank Community Café, run by the charity Kate’s Kitchen.
Fittingly, Helen McAnespie and Edith McGlasson, respectively manager and assistant manager at Kate’s Kitchen, cut a ribbon to reopen the branch.
Helen said: “We were really pleased to help out the Cumberland because they have been such a support to us. We run a foodbank alongside the café and we’ve benefited from the Cumberland’s Kinder Kind of Kitchen campaign, which funds initiatives like ours that tackle food poverty.”
The refurbishment underlines the Cumberland’s commitment to Annan as bank closures continue. It will be the only current and business account provider with a branch in the town when the Bank of Scotland shuts in March.
The first customers on Tuesday were offered a guided tour, a goody bag and a delicious cup cake, supplied by Dream Cakes by Donna of Lockerbie.
Matthew James, 44, of Newbie, said: “The new look is very professional but I’m just pleased the branch is still here. We need that presence on the High Street.”
Lucy Smith, 24, of Annan, who was carrying her eight-week-old Shih-Poo puppy, Novie, added: “It’s really nice. It feels calming, the décor is amazing and the new access will be great for wheelchair users.”
The refurbishment also gets the thumbs up from the eight-strong team of Cumberland colleagues who work there.
Branch supervisor Lexie Glendinning said: “It’s a remarkable transformation and will be great for the local community. It’s a very pleasant place to work and incorporates new technology that will help us do our jobs.”
Ryan McCubbin, The Cumberland’s cluster manager for Scotland, was thrilled with the positive feedback.
He said: “It was amazing to welcome our loyal members back to the branch and show them what we’ve been working so hard on these last few weeks.
“We’re delighted to bring to life what is an enhanced experience for our members and for our Cumberland colleagues.”
The branch is open six days a week, from 9.30am to 4pm on Mondays to Fridays and 9.00am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
Based in Carlisle, the Cumberland is the largest financial institution in the area with assets of £3.29billion, mortgage lending of £2.76billion and 31 branches across Cumbria, southwest Scotland, Northumberland and Lancashire.
In 18 of the communities it serves, from Lockerbie to Windermere, it is the only provider still offering high street banking services. Find your nearest branch.