BANK customers have been dealt a blow after Yorkshire Bank announced that two town centre branches are to close in the spring.

The branch in Market Place, Clitheroe, will shut on Thursday, April 27, followed by the one in Newtown, Barnoldswick, on Thursday, May 4.

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The cuts were announced by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banking Group which will close 79 branches across the country, affecting around 400 jobs.

The Unite union said the closure programme amounted to a third of the bank’s branches.

West Craven councillor David Whipp is seeking a meeting with the bank after the announcement.

He said: “It’s the busiest bank in town and crucial for residents and businesses.

“Barnoldswick Town Council has considered the proposed closure and has resolved to strongly object and is demanding a meeting with the bank in the hope that it could be kept open.”

Cllr Stuart Hirst, leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council, said: “It’s always sad to see a town centre business disappear.

“But there has been a complete sea change in the way people do their banking in the past decade.

“But there are many people, particularly the elderly, who don’t have internet connection and I hope they are given an alternative which doesn’t cause them too much inconvenience.”

Customer banking director at Yorkshire Bank, Gavin Opperman, said: “While the decision to close any branch is never an easy one, it is important that we, in line with other banks, continue to respond to changes in the way customers want to bank with us.

“The changes continue our journey towards a model that combines an enhanced digital platform with a right sized branch network.

A bank spokesman said is was its intention to try to find other roles for frontline branch staff.

The Clitheroe branch is home to a blue plaque for Captain James King who served with Captain James Cook in the 18th century.