THE prospect of a local credit union setting up shop in the former Barclays Bank in Earby has been quashed.

It first emerged as a possibility when the bank - the last one in Earby - closed its doors for the last time on April 7.

A small band of protestors gathered at the bank seeking assurances that Barclays would not put any restrictions on its sale which might prevent rival financial organisations taking over.

Spokesman for the protestors was Earby resident John Wickham, who is also a member of the Colne and District Credit Union. He mentioned that it was looking for a base and said he would talk to fellow members about the possibility of taking over the recently refurbished Barclays premises.

But this week chairman of the credit union's board of directors, David Penney, said it was not a viable option.

In a letter to the Craven Herald, he said: "The Colne and District Credit Union regrets the closure of the Barclays branch in Earby. While this crisis is an opportunity to offer alternative financial services, the credit union is not in a position to consider renting this former bank property as a 'head office' or a collection centre."

The Colne and District Credit Union was registered in August last year and covers the Colne and West Craven areas.

It now has almost 250 paid up members, but 95 per cent of them are from Colne and only five per cent from West Craven. Of that, just two per cent are from Earby.

The only collection point at the moment is at the Hanbury's store in Colne, although there are plans for others.

Mr Penney added: "We are already committed to having our registered office in Colne, at the Waterbridge Resource Centre. It is impossible for us to afford the rent on a second office. However, we remain committed to developing free collection points in the Pioneer Co-op in Barnoldswick and the community centre in Earby, as membership increases in West Craven and we can create a pool of volunteer members to train as collectors."

Credit unions are run for the benefit of their members, offering cheap loans and control over their own finances.

"Colne and District Credit Union's strength lies in its membership," said Mr Penney. "The more members the more loans, the more local accessible and viable collection points."

Anyone interested in joining the credit union can contact its development worker, Norman Briggs, on 01282 868423 for more details and a membership form.

o When Earby Parish Council met on Tuesday, its members agreed to push for a cash machine in the town.

Coun Chris Tennant commented on the deal between Barclays and the Post Office to provide banking services for Barclays customers through Post Offices, with priority given to those areas where Barclays branches had recently closed.

Coun Tennant proposed writing to both Barclays and the Post Office about the possibility of having a cash machine installed at Earby Post Office.

Members agreed, but Coun Pat Spenceley added that she had been told a cash machine was to be installed inside the Co-operative convenience store, in Victoria Road.

She added that it was open much longer than the Post Office, until 10pm on most nights.

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