by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Kent Reliance is reversing its controversial branch closure strategy to focus on opening outlets across the county.

The bank recently opened a new-look branch in Strood and is about to unveil a new outlet in Maidstone.

The former building society has agreed terms on the old Monsoon shop at the entrance to Royal Star Arcade.

The branch is being given a £100,000 makeover to give it a new KRBS style. It opens on Monday July 25. The existing outlet in King Street will close on Saturday July 23.

Kent Reliance Banking Services is now owned by a mutual Kent Reliance Provident Society and J C Flowers, a private equity investment group that injected £50m into the 150-year old institution.

After years of closures, a policy that upset many customers, the Maidstone and Strood branches herald a new strategy to open more outlets across the county.

"It's important to have a strong presence in our heartland and we are looking for good-quality premises," said chief executive Jeremy Wood.

"We're proud to be supporting our local community by offering a more accessible branch right in the heart of Maidstone and hope it shows just how important our customers in Kent are to us and how much we value their loyalty."

He added: "Although some banks and building societies are winding down branches, there will always be some customers who prefer face to face contact and access to financial services on the High Street, and we will do our best to support these customers where we can."