NATIONAL Westminster Bank officials have dashed claims that the busy branch in Nelson centre is to close.

But, they say, Barrowford will be a casualty of the bank's latest cut backs.

The sub branch - the last bank in the village - will shut on May 17.

The denial that the bank in Leeds Road, Nelson, will close came from National Westminster's regional operations.

Development team assistant manager Sarah Ritchie blamed reports of the closure on the fact that the full address of the Barrowford branch is listed as Barrowford, Nelson.

She said customers who frequently used the Nat West in Barrowford at the corner of Pasture Lane and Gisburn Road were made aware of the planned closure through notices which had been displayed, and she added that customers with special links with the bank had been notified personally.

However, local traders say they have been stunned by the bank's move. Some fear the disappearance of the bank will send the wrong signals about the viability of the village as a local shopping centre.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said he intended to find out why the National Westminster had pulled the plug.

He said: "Barrowford is a thriving and friendly community which can surely sustain one bank. I am in touch with Nat West to find out why they are taking this drastic step. I am totally opposed to the closure."

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