DOZENS of people have signed a petition to keep a bank branch in East Lancashire open.

The Santander branches in St James Square, Bacup and Burnley Road in Padiham, will close their doors for the last time on Thursday, June 28.

Within a branch closure impact statement, Santander spokesman said the company has had to close the two branches because they are being used less often with more customers choosing to bank by phone and online.

Nearly 200 people have signed a petition set up by Burnley MP Julie Cooper to stop the closure of the last bank in Padiham.

In a letter to Santander, Mrs Cooper said the company's decision was 'disastrous'

She said: "I believe this is a flawed decision which will cause great distress, inconvenience and frustration to many of the residents of Padiham.

"The branch is extremely well-used by residents and many older residents do not have access to a computer or the confidence, knowledge and skills required to access online banking.

"There appears to have been no consultation with local residents or representatives about this closure."

Cllr Peter Steen, who represents Greensclough, where the Santander branch in Bacup will close, said: “I’m not impressed.

“This is the last bank in Bacup and people use that bank everyday.

“I think it’s a betrayal of the community and the staff that work there, who are excellent.”

Residents from Padiham and neighbouring boroughs have said the decision to close the branches is ‘ludicrous’.

Debby Brown, who lives in Burnley said: “It’s ludicrous to expect people to travel to Burnley or Accrington to do everyday banking. “

Jean Clarkson, who lives in Haslingden, said: “My local bank Santander in Haslingden has closed. They are closing Bacup, where next?

“You definitely need one in Padiham because it will mean it’s a bus ride for the elderly into Burnley.”