A PETITION to save a North Yorkshire bank has been supported by a local MP and councillor.

Currently, the Natwest Bank in Tadcaster is the only bank in the town open five days a week, but is set to close in October 2017.

The petition, set up by local businesses and local councillor Chris Metcalfe, has already seen some support, but locals are urged to add their name.

Cllr Metcalfe the bank was vital for the town, as its availability helped local businesses: "Last year was a difficult year for our businesses in Tadcaster because the bridge was closed, everybody including the bank suffered.

"The objective now is to help the town recover as quickly as possible. The bank will have seen a reduced number of customers along with every other business but this must not be used as part of a case to close the bank. I will be meeting with Natwest Bank to make the case for keeping the bank open."

Dave Bewley, owner of The Ink Shop, said: "I run a small one man retail shop and also have commercial customers. The closure would delay me in banking cash and cheques.

"Many of my retail customers pay by cash, on my business side many still use cheques, and are reluctant to change. With the bank closed I would have to close my shop and travel to Wetherby for my banking. This would take an hour out of my trading day, increase my costs, and reduce my potential income by having to close."

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams added his name to the petition this week, and said he would present it to Natwest in the future.

He said: "I am pleased to lend my support to the campaign to keep the bank open. The sign on the bank says 'We’re here to help' and it would certainly be a big help to Tadcaster, which is now recovering after the bridge was re-opened, if this bank branch was not closed."

The petition can be signed in Simply a Party or The Ink Shop in Tadcaster.