AROUND 20 Wye­dean jobs have been saved as a bank and building society have stepped in to fill the breach left after the Halifax pulled out of its branches in five estate agencies.

Back in July, the Review reported that local Halifax bank counters were set to close in Bairstow Eves offices in Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney, Chepstow and Ross-on-Wye, putting the jobs of around 20 bank counter staff at risk just before Christmas.

Now, Alan Bidmead, Director of Bairstow Eves, said they've successfully negotiated a deal with Santander and the Principality Building Society.

He said: "We were naturally disappointed when we heard the Halifax's decision to close its agencies, but we've had many happy years in a solid relationship with Halifax and can only wish them well.

"However, we were not prepared to close our bank counters without a fight and are delighted we have agreed with Santander to open new agency banking counters in our branches at Coleford, Lydney, Cinderford and Chepstow. The Principality Building Society will be opening within our branch at Ross-on-Wye.

"Santander say they're very keen to have a presence in our local communities and are excited about opening these new counters in and around the Forest of Dean. They really are bucking the trend in banking by expanding into the more rural areas and the added benefit is that we've saved most of the jobs that had been under threat."

•The new counters will be opening next week (from November 15).