A bank branch in Islington shut its doors for the final time this afternoon – but it won’t be for long.

The Co-Operative bank at 1 Islington High Street will be located just down the road at number 25 from Monday morning (January 8).

The branch was previously open only on weekdays, but new opening times show that customers will now be able to make use of banking services on Saturdays, between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The move comes amid many bank branches disappearing from high streets, with five expected to leave north London in the coming months.

Maria Cearns, chief operating officer at The Co-operative Bank, said: “We know how important our branches are to the communities in which they are located.

“We’re delighted to move to this new location, which will provide us with the opportunity to welcome existing customers and attract new ones.”

Ms Cearns expected to attend a formal ribbon cutting event at the new branch at midday on Monday.

Members of staff at the branch will be available all day to assist customers with any banking needs and refreshments will be provided.

Mark Evans, manager of the Islington branch, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to call this fantastic new branch our home and are looking forward to welcoming our customers and talking to them about the excellent products and services we can offer.”