ANGRY customers gathered to protest outside a high street bank that closed for good after it was targeted by raiders.

Members of the community demonstrated against the closure of the RBS branch in High Street, Little Lever, after the company announced it would not reopen following two attempted robberies earlier this year.

The bank, the only one remaining in the village, had shut at the end of May and a spokesman from RBS said it would remain closed after a security review was carried out following the incidents.

One customer, who did not wish to be named, said: “The reason for them closing is rubbish and absolute balderdash.

“Why are we spending taxpayers’ money on a failing bank to give them huge bonuses? Is this our reward?”

The branch was first targeted on May 19 when an armed robber with a gun was reported at the bank.

Then just weeks later on June 12, robbers attempted to steal a cashpoint from the building.

Amy Wunderley, owner of Wunderley’s Cafe Bar in Market Street, said the closure was going to affect her business and herself personally.

She said: “For the past six weeks I have not been able to get change. I spoke to someone at the bank a while ago and they said it was definitely going to be reopening.

“So I have not made any steps to change my bank. Now I will probably be the first to change my bank.

“I think the reasons for the closure are quite poor. Other places have got security guards in their branch. At the end of the day they were both failed robberies, they were attempted break-ins.

“There’s just no reason for it.”

A petition that was at the protest has reached more than 700 signatures and an online petition has reached more than 100.

An RBS spokesman said: “The safety and security of our customers and staff are of upmost importance to us and unfortunately there have been a number of incidents over the past few months, which has resulted in this being compromised.

“Please be assured that this is a decision we have not come to lightly but we feel we have no alternative.

“Our local team have now been informed and we are communicating with our customers affected by the closure as well as proactively contacting vulnerable and regular branch customers.

“We have other branches in Farnworth and Radcliffe. Our customers can also use any Post Office for straightforward cash and balance services.”