TWENTY-FIVE new jobs are to be created as a new bank is set to open a branch in Basildon town centre.

Metro Bank, which is the first new retail bank to open in the UK in the past 100 years, hopes to open a branch in the former Barclays bank building on the corner of East Walk and South Gunnels.

Bosses from the bank, which opened its first branch in London in 2010, say they pride themselves on offering top customer service and convenience and will open the branch seven days a week.

Talks have already been held with Basildon Council planning officers and a formal planning application is set to follow.

In a statement the bank’s CEO Craig Donaldson and founder Vernon Hill said: “With 16 plus stores now open, we aim to serve every community in Greater London.

“If we are not in your area, we will be soon.

“Our model is unparalleled convenience and service, no product sales, seven-day-a-week banking, 24/7 call centres with real people answering real questions. Our goal is to eliminate every stupid bank rule.”

Metro Bank wants to create a big branch by joining two empty shops together.

One is the former Barclays building, which has now moved its branch to the opposite side of the town centre.

The new jobs will involve everything from customer service staff to a store manager.

The firm runs branches across the Greater London area, including in Slough, Reading and Romford, but is keen to expand into Essex.

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon councillor responsible for regeneration, said the bank’s interest in the town was “excellent news”.

He said: “I welcome Metro Bank with open arms for a number of reasons. It’s good to offer financial competition to the big four banks, but the fact it is offering that service seven days a week certainly has benefits to people like me who work most of the week.

“It’s good to go into a bank on a Saturday and Sunday and that helps influence people’s decision as to which bank they choose.”