THE news (LET, October 15) that TSB are to close down their branch in Rishton is to be greeted with dismay. Yet there is a real alternative to the banks in providing financial services within communities. They are called credit unions.

It is interesting that this news was announced in the week that credit unions all around the world were celebrating International Credit Union Day.

There are a number of credit unions in East Lancashire that provide a savings and loans service that it truly accessible. Credit unions are run by the community for the benefit of the community.

They are mutual organisations which are not concerned with making huge profits for their shareholders, but with providing a service that is convenient and easy to use for local people. Credit unions can sometimes be the only provider of savings and loans services to the large proportion of people who do not even have bank accounts. Yet they are of benefit to everybody.

I believe we should encourage the growth of credit unions. Maybe the people of Rishton might like to follow the example of the people in towns such as Darwen, Nelson and Burnley and establish a credit union for their community.

JANICE PARKER, (Chair, Darwen Tower Credit Union), Bolton Road, Darwen.

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