Pendle MP and Colne resident Andrew Stephenson has slammed the decision from the Co-operative Bank to close its Albert Road branch in the town, and urged them to reconsider.
In a letter to the MP, the Co-op’s Head of Branch Network, Paul Denton, admitted the closure was due to the need to return the bank to a position of strength.
They will, he said, be focusing more on self-service and digital banking in future. Staff at the Colne branch have been put into a period of consultation.
The nearest alternative branch will be in Burnley. Mr Denton said the bank would be contacting their customers before the closure.
Mr Stephenson said: “This is extremely disappointing news. We all know that the Co-op has been going through tough times of late but their Colne customers should not be the ones that have to suffer as they try and get back on track.
“I urge the Co-op to think again. The Co-op is held in high regard in this part of the world but people from around Colne cannot be expected to stick with a bank if the nearest branch is going to be all the way in Burnley.”
Pendle Council leader Coun. Joe Cooney echoed his words, saying: “I am disappointed to see the Co-op Bank proposing to leave Colne.
“Residents now face the inconvenience of having to travel all the way to Burnley. I urge them to change their minds.”
