Bermuda's four largest banks are to close their doors to the public on noon on New Year's Eve for last-minute Y2K checks to be carried out.

Bank of Bermuda, Bank of N.T. Butterfield, Bermuda Commercial Bank and Bermuda Home have said that they expect it to be business as usual during the roll-over to the new Millennium, but want to allow themselves some extra time as a precautionary measure before the year 2000.

The banks have agreed to close their doors at the same time on December 31, 1999.

Staff, however, will not be allowed home as they will be making sure that all processing is completed before the New Year.

The early closure will include branch activities and treasury transactions.