A BANK offering improved services is to open its refurbished branch this week in Headington.

Santander on London Road now features Express Banking with a new ATM wall, counter service and private interview rooms.

It will also be equipped with talking ATMs giving customers the option to plug in headphones and be guided through their transaction by voice assistance, with or without the use of the ATM screen.

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The branch will be opened by Santander’s Community Hub Director for Oxford and longstanding team member of 25 years, Fleur Gallagher, who will cut the ribbon on Friday morning.

Visitors to the branch will be able pick up a sweet treat from an in-branch bake sale. All money raised from the sale will be donated to Santander’s partner charity, the Alzheimer’s Society.

The branch, which employs five staff and is managed by Fhozie Islam, will also feature a picture wall to display local community initiatives, such as Santander Foundation grants.

Santander’s head of branches, Adam Bishop said: “Banking is changing at a rapid pace and we wanted to create a branch that can accommodate the needs of all our local customers. That means combining traditional banking facilities, and a focus on delivering great customer service, with modern, digital services including free Wi-Fi, customer tablets and digital ATMs.

“Santander branches are an important part of many communities and our investment in this branch reflects our commitment to Oxford.”