CAMPAIGNERS against bank closures are plannign a sit-in at a threatened branch of Barclays.

The protest comes after bosses at Barclays had brought forward plans to offer banking through the Post Office.

But campaigners have prepared to take part in a sit-down protest today at the Earby branch, moments before staff close for business for the last time at 4pm.

"We intend to occupy the bank shortly before its closure and make a polite request of the management that the keys be handed over to be retained safely within the town," said Earby Councillor Doris Haigh.

"That would serve as a pledge that Barclays at least will not obstruct another banking organisation seeking to acquire these premises."

Today Barclays announced it has signed a deal with the Post Office to offer banking services in the vast majority of the 171 areas where a branch is closing as part of a nationwide shake-up. Alternative arrangements will be in place by the end of the month although it was not clear whether Earby would be covered.

Local people are outraged at Barclays' decision to close the branch, the last bank in the town. More than 900 people, almost a quarter of the population, signed a petition gathered over just two weeks calling on the bank to re-think the move.

Coun Haigh's husband Tim visited other campaigners today handing out "invitations" to take part in the sit-in.

"We will carry out this sit-in and then wait to see what happens," said Coun Haigh.

"They will have to use more persuasion than simply asking us to leave to get us out. They will either have to manhandle us out or call the police. If the police come we will have to see what happens."

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