A suburban bank destroyed in some of the worst rioting in decades won't now be rebuilt.

The Cloughfern branch of the Northern Bank - which was burnt down during loyalist riots three and a half years ago - was earmarked to be reconstructed soon, but it has now emerged that the plan has been ditched.

The bank confirmed this week that it would not go ahead with redevelopment plans for the Doagh Road site, which had been expected to include new commercial and residential space.

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Immediately after the fire in September 2005, Northern Bank relocated the Cloughfern team and operations to the Glengormley branch to enable normal customer service to be maintained. The Cloughfern branch will now permanently merge with the Glengormley branch this summer.

The merger will take place on June 26 when all customer accounts will automatically transfer to the Glengormley branch.

There will be no job losses as a result of the merger, with the Cloughfern team continuing to operate within the Glengormley branch.

A spokesperson confirmed that while Northern Bank does own the Cloughfern Corner site, no decision has yet been taken about whether or not it will be sold off.

See: Gangs go on rampage for second night in Belfast

(BMcC/JM)