VILLAGERS are mounting a petition against the closure of their Co-op Handybank.

The Handybank, in the Co-op at Wheatley Hill, will close on Wednesday, May 18. The company said the move was because fewer people were using it.

"I cannot understand why they are shutting it down,'' said pensioner Margaret Sandywell, of Wheatley Hill. "It is the only one in the area.

"The nearest one would be in Durham, but the parking is horrendous. There isn't one at Thornley or at Wingate. You can bank at Peterlee, but there isn't a Co-op Bank. Everybody is complaining. There is a petition up and everybody is signing it."

A spokeswoman for Co-operative Financial Services said: "The Financial Service Centre (FSC) in Wheatley Hill will be closing on May 18.

"The final decision regarding the closure, and the implication for store staff, was made by the North Eastern Co-op Society

"The usage of the centre has been in rapid decline in recent years as alternative in-store banking channels such as automated teller machines (ATMs) have evolved.

"FSCs currently offer Co-operative Bank customers cheque cashing and deposit facilities in selected Co-op stores. Any customers requiring this type of service can use their local Co-operative Bank branch or Post Office, both of which provide a quicker crediting service."