A RUNCORN MP is trying to save a closure-threatened bank.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury has written to the head of RBS asking the company to reconsider its plans to close a branch in his constituency.

The firm recently announced plans to axe its branch in Runcorn Shopping City in November as part of wider plans to close more than 160 branches across the country.

The company claimed use of the branch had declined in recent years.

But in a letter to the firm’s chief executive Ross McEwan, Mr Amesbury said: “I am concerned that there is a wider pattern here of branch closures, with customers being told to use alternative branches which are then themselves also closed.

“I also note that RBS says footfall has fallen at its Runcorn branch, but surely a local bank branch – despite being a business – is also a much-valued community asset and its value should be weighed in more than simply raw numbers and statistics.

“I would request that you reconsider this decision.”