Citizens-Union Savings Bank has opened its 10th location at 1000 Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford.

Construction for the branch at Ashley Boulevard began in April with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by bank and city officials. Now complete and open for business, the branch offers a 3,400-square-foot, full-service location with a 24-hour drive-up ATM, safe deposit boxes, a free coin machine and free coffee, tea and cookies.

The new branch is the bank’s second location in the city; their first New Bedford branch is at 95 William St.

To introduce themselves to the area, the bank will offer a "scan and win" card to everyone in the neighborhood; residents must bring the cards to the bank to determine their prize, which includes New England Patriots/Boston Celtics tickets; gift certificates to local supermarkets; gift certificates to local restaurants; and a number of smaller prizes. Additionally, the bank is conducting a contest that will award a trip to the Bahamas, with entry forms at the branch location.

"We are very pleased to increase our presence in New Bedford," said Nicholas Christ, president and CEO of Citizens-Union Savings Bank. "We have been very encouraged by the reception we have had from the neighborhood and the city as we prepared to open this branch, and we look forward to working with and meeting the people of the neighborhood."

Plans are underway for an official ribbon cutting to take place later in the month.

The new branch opening comes on the heels of a recent announcement that Citizens-Union Savings Bank and the Bank of Fall River have agreed to merge, with the completion of the merger anticipated in early 2011.

Next year, Citizens-Union Savings Bank will increase its number of branches from 10 to 14. When finalized, the merger will result in a combined bank with approximately $861 million in assets, $680 million in deposits and 250 employees serving both consumers and businesses throughout the South Coast from Seekonk to Fairhaven.