THE Royal Bank of Scotland is shutting its branches in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley town centres.

It is part of a swingeing national closure programme of 162 branches, costing 792 jobs.

Customers are advised to use nearby branches of NatWest, owned by RBS Group.

Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said the closures were ‘depressing’.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss, said the loss of the RBS branch was ‘disappointing but inevitable’, and expressed concern about job losses.

Burnley Council leader Cllr Mark Townsend said the closure of another town bank was ‘sad’ and hoped the Natwest branch would recruit extra staff to ensure customers got a good service.

The Accrington branch in Blackburn Road will shut on August 20; Blackburn’s King William Street site will close on November 13; and the St James’s Street, Burnley, bank will shut on November 22.

Customers are being asked to use nearby Natwest branches in King William Street, Blackburn, Burnley’s Charter Walk Shopping Centre and St James Street, Accrington.

Ms Barker said: “To see so many branches close at the same time in such a small area is depressing.

“For many small businesses that personal relationship with the bank manager, often built up over many years, can be essential to their survival of the enterprise.”

Cllr Riley said: “We understand organisations with several outlets near each other reviewing their operations and the increasing use of internet banking.

“However many people are attached to their particular bank brand and branch and we are obviously concerned about the impact on jobs.”

Chorley’s Market Street branch will close on November 20.

Cllr Townsend said: “It is always sad and disappointing when a bank closes.

“I just hope that the bank staff up the Natwest branch properly so that the customers, including those who who transfer get the service they deserve.”