COUNCILLORS in South Craven have called for support in a bid to halt the closure of the Yorkshire Bank, in Cross Hills.

Sutton councillors Ken Hart and Stephen Place have asked Craven District Council's overview and scrutiny committee to put pressure on the bank to stay open.

Coun Place said: "We have requested the committee investigates the hardship this will cause to the residents and businesses of South Craven, with a view to persuading Yorkshire Bank to reverse its decision.

"The communities of Sutton and Cross Hills can, at a time requested by the committee, provide evidence of hardship, especially within those groups most affected in the elderly, the infirm, schoolchildren and retailers."

The plea comes after the Cross Hills branch of the Yorkshire Bank was named as one of 100 to close across the country. The company, part of the National Australia Bank, has notified its customers it will close the Main Street branch in September.

Accounts will be re-directed to Keighley from September 7.

When the news was announced, North Yorkshire County Councillor Philip Barrett said: "This is a major blow to banking facilities in South Craven and one which the local communities could well do without. There are many loyal customers who will suffer major inconvenience by this cut in service provision.

"Whilst the bank has cited the main reasons for its decision as being due to the growth in alternative banking and a reduction in the branch usage, I have to say that from my observations, the counter is still well used.

"Furthermore, there are many customers, especially senior citizens, who prefer the traditional banking facilities that will be lost by this announcement."

In a letter to its customers, general manager for retail banking, Steve Reid wrote: "The decision to relocate the branch was not taken lightly and followed a detailed review.

"I appreciate this decision can inconvenience some customers and sincerely regret this. However, the majority of transactions are now conducted through alternative banking channels such as debit cards, direct debits, internet and telephone banking and, as a result, customer usage of this branch has been in steady decline for a long time."

The village will be left with one bank - Barclays.

The overview and scrutiny services sub-group is set to discuss the councillors' plea when it next meets on June 21.