RESIDENTS in Oswaldtwistle are being urged to take their custom to other banks, after it was announced NatWest plan to move out of the town.

Councillors are furious with the news that the bank plans to close its branch in Union Road and are predicting the move could have a disastrous affect on the town's trade.

Oswaldtwistle councillor Sheelagh Delaney spoke out against the move at a full meeting of Hyndburn council.

She said: "Several years ago another bank closed in Oswaldtwistle and people were very concerned then about the effect it would have on business.

"I would like to remind people there are still two other banks in Oswaldtwistle and local people can always take their business to the remaining banks.

"If NatWest our not prepared to take our custom we should take it elsewhere."

Coun Peter Britcliffe added: "This is certainly a blow to the people of Oswaldtwistle and to Union Road.

"There are many elderly people who would be very concerned about having to travel to Accrington to go to the bank."

Hyndburn Council's chief executive Mike Chambers has agreed to write to NatWest, calling on them to reverse the decision.

And Councillor Cath Thom added: "In the mid-1980s NatWest decided to move out of Clayton-le-Moors and it was more or less disastrous for the town.

"The second blow came when the TSB closed in the early 90s. Once that happened the town never recovered."

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