THE death knell could be sounding for banking services in Rishton if the TSB closes its branch next month.

Hyndburn MP, Greg Pope, is still waiting for a response from the TSB chairman after writing to him two weeks ago asking him to reconsider the decision.

"I've had a lot of complaints from constituents angry about the closure of their local bank," said Mr Pope. "I'm very concerned people from Rishton will have to travel to Accrington or Great Harwood for a TSB bank. This is inconvenient for those without transport and the elderly.

"What also concerns me is the declining facilities in Rishton and the widespread view that it is the forgotten town of Hyndburn."

Mr Pope blamed telephone banking services and a general lack of community feeling from the banking industry for the decision.

If the TSB shuts on November 19, there will only be the Midland bank, Girobank and Post Office left. The Nat West bank closed its branch a few years ago.

"Banks are an integral part of the community as local businesses want to be able to bank their money in their town," added Mr Pope. "There is much more to banks than just making money. They also have an important public service role to play and I'm confident we can get this message across."

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