A LONG-STANDING Colne bank has announced plans to shut its doors from August.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson is urging bosses from Yorkshire Bank to reconsider plans to close its Market Street branch, after an announcement was made on Monday.

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The branch is set to close from August 5, with customers’ accounts being automatically transferred to the Manchester Road branch in Nelson.

A spokesman for the branch said the closure comes as the number of customers using branches is falling year-on-year.

Colne resident Mr Stephenson warned many might move to other banks if the closure went ahead.

He said: “I am deeply disappointed to hear the news that the bank is to close.

“I have written to the chief executive to make my opposition known.

“I want to know exactly what their justification is for closing the branch, with the number of empty shops in the high street having significantly decreased in the past two years and footfall increasing.

“As far as I am aware it is a well used branch which the people of Colne have been loyal to for a decades.

“I think the people of Colne will vote with their feet and defect.”

The bank has placed posters in the branch advising customers, and will write to remind them of the alternative ways they can continue to run accounts.

The bank expects to retain the branch’s two ATMs in the town while the four members of staff are expected to transfer sites.

Steve Fletcher, head of branch network, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, said: “We understand customers will be disappointed by this news, but hope proximity of the Post Office, and the ever-increasing range of alternative ways they can bank with us will minimise any impacts.

“These are not decisions we take lightly but we must adapt to the changing ways people choose to bank in order to deliver the services they want in the ways they want them. Our branches remain at the heart of what we do; we are re-investing, relocating and refurbishing.”

Last year the Co-operative Bank in Albert Road closed. The building has since been used by Marsden Building Society.