CO-OPERATIVE Bank customers in Radcliffe will soon face a six-mile journey to their nearest branch, after it was announced that the town’s office will be closing this summer.

The branch in Blackburn Street is scheduled to close on July 6, with bosses looking to relocate staff to nearby branches.

The closure will mean that Co-op members will be forced to travel to Bolton town centre to visit their local branch.

Paul Denton, Head of Branch Network at The Co-operative Bank, said: “This change is part of our business plan to turn the bank around by restructuring and modernising the bank into a simpler, more efficient business.

"The decision to close our branch in Radcliffe has not been taken lightly but is necessary as part of the changes we are seeking to build a sustainable business for the future.

“The nearest alternative branch in Bolton is approximately six miles and there are Post Office branches nearby where customers can undertake most day to day banking transactions.”

Job losses are expected to mainly affect management level staff, with other employees set to be redeployed in other locations where possible.

Radcliffe customers have been informed of the closure in a letter sent out last week.

Mr Denton added: “We’re committed to maintaining the high levels of service that our personal and business customers have come to expect from us and are writing to affected customers giving them advance notice about these changes and the alternative options available to them.

“As we rebuild and reshape the bank, we are focused on responding to the changes in the way customers are choosing to bank.

“While our branch network remains an integral part of our overall customer service offer, we are investing in our digital offering to provide customers with new, innovative ways to service their accounts as the trend for consumers to move their day-to-day transactions online accelerates.”

The Co-operative Bank narrowly avoided collapse in 2013 after posting losses of £1.3 billion, which were reduced to £264.2 million last year.

In total, 57 branches are due to be closed this year, after a further 72 sites were shut down in 2014.