THE ROYAL Bank of Scotland's Deane branch is to close.

The branch, in Wigan Road, will shut in the next few months, with bosses citing more people banking online as the reason for the closure.

An RBS spokesman said: "We are committed to following the UK government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally.

"Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank such as online and mobile banking.

"As a result, branch transactions have declined by about 36 per cent since 2010, while online and mobile transactions have grown by more than 300 per cent.

"Only nine per cent of total transactions are now undertaken in branches in comparison to 25 per cent in 2010.

"We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure.

"Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have."

The branch is currently open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays.

The nearest RBS branch will be in Deansgate in Bolton town centre and the firm said customers will soon be able to check their balance, deposit cheques and withdraw cash from local post offices.