ELDERLY bank users in Rishton have been "devastated" by the decision to close the town's TSB branch next month.

Customers have been told they can transfer their accounts to the bank's Accrington or Great Harwood branches, but both are a bus or car journey away.

Now many pensioners are considering changing banks when the TSB's High Street branch shuts its doors for the last time.

Jim Clarke, chairman of Rishton Old People's Welfare Association, said: "Devastation would be too light a description."

He said TSB customers had been puzzled and concerned by letters stating that their accounts will be transferred to Accrington.

He said: "With Great Harwood being nearer, people are wondering if this indicated the Harwood branch might be in danger as well." A TSB spokeswoman said: "We have no plans to close the Great Harwood branch."

Accounts will be automatically switched to Accrington, but customers can transfer to Great Harwood instead if they wish.

"It is purely that Accrington is bigger and more able to cope with a lot more customers."

Mr Clarke said: "Certainly older people will not find it easy to get to either place."

He suspects some customers will close their accounts with the TSB.

"Others especially the older ones are just not sure which way to turn or how to make alternative arrangements," he added.

A spokesman for the Midland Bank said their Rishton branch had already had a number of inquiries from TSB customers about opening accounts with the Midland.

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