SKIPTON Building Society has been urged to reverse its decision to axe its branch in Cross Hills, near Keighley.

Earlier this month, the building society announced its intention to close the Main Street branch in September, putting it down to numbers of customers who use the branch, and the increasing numbers choosing to go on-line.

But Councillor Philip Barrett, who represents Glusburn, Cross Hills and Sutton-in-Craven, on North Yorkshire Council, has called on the building society to reverse its plans because of its importance to South Craven villages.

Cllr Barrett said: "The population of Glusburn, Cross Hills and Sutton is the second largest to Skipton in the former Craven district and Cross Hills is the local service centre serving the South Craven villages and needs this local branch to support its vibrancy into the future rather than having its door locked permanently.”

Last month, Skipton Building Society's, Kenny Stewart, head of branch network, said the 'difficult decision' had been made following an assessment of 'how often the branch has been used, the alternatives nearby, and the increasing number of customers that are choosing to interact by phone, online, or through the Skipton app.'