AN MP is calling on TSB Bank to reconsider its 'short–sighted' decision to shut its branch in Haslingden.

Hyndburn Tory Sara Britcliffe believes the closure will discriminate against customers who do not use internet services.

Her intervention follows the company announcing 164 branch closures across the UK, including Haslingden and Bastwell in Blackburn, earlier this month.

It will leave TSB banks in Nelson and Rawtenstall.

The company says the closures are driven by customers switching to online banking.

But Miss Britcliffe is alarmed the move will leave Haslingden without its last remaining bank branch and has written to David Godfrey, Head of External Affairs for TSB, to express her disappointment with the decision.

In the letter, she also requests a telephone conversation with him to explain the decision.

Miss Britcliffe said “I am very disappointed with the news of the closure.

"This leaves Haslingden without a bank which will have a severe impact on those who are unable to use telephone or internet banking or distrust these systems.

"I have requested a meeting with David Godfrey from TSB and I hope that they will reconsider this short–sighted move.”

The closures will leave the bank with 290 branches, half the number seven years ago.

Debbie Crosbie, chief executive of TSB, said: “Closing any of our branches is never an easy decision, but our customers are banking differently – with a marked shift to digital banking."