RESIDENTS are being urged to sign a petition in the hope that the last bank in Little Lever re-opens.

The RBS branch in High Street, Little Lever, was forced to close its doors in June after it was targeted twice by robbers in less than a month.

It has yet to re-open and residents are growing increasingly concerned about its future and whether it will be re-opened at all.

The bank said that it is carrying out a security review of the branch and it will remain closed until this is completed.

A spokesman could not give a date for the branch to reopen.

A petition has been started to try to keep the bank open and residents have been travelling to Bolton, Farnworth and Radcliffe to do their banking.

Cllr Sean Hornby, who represents Little Lever and Darcy Lever, said that action is being taken to try to make sure RBS understands how important the branch is.

He said: “There is a petition out at the moment for residents to sign. It is in the library.

“It is a concern at the moment for the residents of Little Lever. I am having to bank in Radcliffe or in Farnworth, and that is only open two-and-a-half days a week.

“It is the only bank left in Little Lever. I have had communications to say that it will re-open soon but they have got work to do first. They have got to make sure the staff and the customers are safe.”

He has urged residents to sign the petition so the bank can see the strength of feeling about any potential closure and the impact it will have on residents.

He is also asking people to email letters for RBS to him so that he can pass them on.

The bank was first targeted on May 19 when an armed robber with a gun was reported at the bank.

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It was then targeted again on June 12 when robbers attempted to steal a cashpoint.

Following the first attempted robbery the branch was forced to close for more than a week and just a short time after it was re-opened it was hit again.

Emergency services were reported on the scene on both occasions.

Cllr Hornby said that it has been a difficult time for staff, some of whom live in Little Lever themselves, adding that he and his colleagues are doing all they can to try and keep it open.

He said: “All three councillors have been putting pressure on RBS to make sure it will re-open.

“It is not just a bank, it is a community focal point. People are always going in there talking to each other.

“We are putting pressure on them to ensure it stays open.”

It had been hoped that the branch would only remain closed for a short period of time after the second break-in but residents have been left without the branch for more than a month.

Signs went on the doors of the branch stating that it was closed for the time being and apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Some staff had been left shaken by the incidents but the community rallied round to support them.

Anyone who wants to write to RBS should email Cllr Hornby at sean.hornby@bolton.gov.uk.

People can also go to Little Lever Library, Coronation Square to fill in the petition.

A spokesman for RBS said: “The branch is still closed at the moment. We are carrying out a full review of security. While that is taking place it remains shut.”