CUSTOMERS and local councillors are in uproar after Barclays announced it is to close Earby's only bank.

The branch in Victoria Road will shut its doors for the last time on April 7.

Customers were told the news in a letter with an enclosed map showing the nearest branches in Barnoldswick and Colne.

Local councillor Alison Brewer has vowed to close her account in protest and fellow councillor Doris Haigh has also blasted bosses for pulling the plug on the town. She said what was needed now was an early meeting with Barclays to try to persuade them to change their minds.

Coun Brewer stormed: "It is disgusting, absolutely diabolical and heartless. The only facility left now in Earby is the local branch of the Skipton Building Society."

She added: "Any bank transaction now will cost Earby people money whether it is to pay for fuel to travel to the nearest branch, the cost of a bus fare because many people in Earby do not own a car, telephone or internet charges. "They say they are trying to improve services for customers. That is just a big laugh. They say more people are using computer and telephone banking. There are a lot of people who don't have computers.

"What they are doing is a tragedy for the community and another nail in Earby's coffin."

She said people who did begin to use the branches in Barnoldswick and Colne would inevitably start to do their shopping in those towns at the cost of Earby's shopkeepers.

Coun Brewer added: "I have been with Barclays for 23 years. I will now close my account."

Robert Spencer, owner of Our Cafe, opposite the bank, said: "It's absolutely disgraceful. Fifteen per cent of my takings are from people using the bank. If they close down we might as well close down as well."

Margaret Tullett, of Maggie's Allsorts antique shop, added: "It's very unfair, especially for the elderly people without transport."

A Barclays spokesman said the closure followed an announcement in November that 200 branches nationwide were to close.

A review of the branch network had been carried out and Earby was one of those considered to be one of those to be commercially unviable. Coun Haigh said: "There are five major employers of Earby people as well as the local shops and stores. All have now been left without a bank in the township.

"I have been out meeting people and I know this has made the general public angry and bitter.

"Barclays have just refurbished their premises in Earby leading us to think they would be staying in the town. That was just a complete and utter waste of money. It is absolutely ridiculous."

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