THE planned date for the opening of a new bank in Borehamwood Shopping Park has been brought forward due to the success of other branches in London.

Metro Bank will open its new branch in October - earlier than the company had expected - owing to huge demand at its Holborn location.

Combined with a planned new Morrisons supermarket in the town, the bank is set to bring 35 new jobs to Borehamwood.

The bank originally planned to open the branch in the shopping park in Theobald Street next year in the building previously occupied by JJB Sports.

Metro Bank says it is focusing on opening branches in the Greater London area, with a target to launch 200 branches within ten years.

Craig Donaldson, chief executive officer, said: "People have overwhelmingly responded to Metro Bank’s service and convenience model and we are preparing to double the number of our staff to meet demand."

The bank has adopted a retail style model, opening seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, and has already received 5,000 applications for 150 positions across the whole bank.

Conservative Borehamwood Hillside councillor Sandra Parnell said the new bank was a strong indication that the town was on the way up, despite the recession.

She added: "This will bring more jobs, which is welcome. Borehamwood is coming back into existence now.

"Our film industry is being noticed and I think that is attracting other people into the area. The recession has affected every shopping centre, but I think with these new places opening - big companies coming to the area - we are doing well."

The company was not able to give a specific opening date, but work on the branch is already underway for its October opening.