A BLACK Country building society is bucking credit crunch gloom with plans to move into bigger premises.

Increased customer demand has helped persuade Dudley Building Society to take new offices in Brierley Hill High Street as its existing branch down the road struggles to accommodate the greater number of savers and borrowers.

Its new base, opposite the Market Hall, is due to open in December and will offer a larger banking hall and private discussion room for customers.

Geoff Caves, the society’s chief executive, said: “Dudley Building Society’s investment in Brierley Hill displays our commitment to the people of the town.

“Perhaps, as significantly, it emphasises the fact that our philosophy of providing local convenience, sensible and uncomplicated savings accounts and straightforward mortgage products is proving to be the right one in this time of uncertainty.

“We are seeing record numbers of new accounts being opened in all of our branches as savers turn to more traditional building societies like the Dudley. We are known to be steady and reliable and at the present time these qualities are sought after.”

He added: “We have never pursued high risk strategies, quite the opposite in fact, and now this is recognised as a key strength which is why we have money to lend.”

The existing High Street branch will operate as normal until the opening of the new premises.