A CREDIT union has ruled out taking over the former Barclays Bank branch, Earby, as a head office or collection centre.

The idea was put forward after the controversial closure of the branch last month as part of a nationwide shake-up of Barclays.

But Colne and District Credit Union chairman David Penney said that while the group regretted the closure it is not in a position to take over the Victoria Road premises.

"We are already committed to having our registered office in Colne at the Waterbridge resource centre," he explained. "It is impossible for us to afford the rent on a second office.

"However we remain committed to developing free collection points in the Pioneer Co-op in Barnoldswick and the youth and community centre in Earby as membership increases in West Craven and we can create a pool of volunteers to train as collectors."

Mr Penney pointed out that although the credit union covers West Craven the vast majority of its near-250 members, 95 per cent, live in and around Colne.

"Colne and District Credit Union's strength lies in it membership," he said. "The more members, the more loans, the more accessible and viable collection points."

The credit union was launched last August and offers members cheap loans at a maximum of one per cent interest per month and control over their finances.

Anyone interested in joining can contact development worker Norman Briggs on 01282 868423.