A BAKERY shop could be forced to close if bank bosses press ahead with plans to shut a nearby branch in Prestwich .

Last week, The Guide reported The Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS) branch in Bury Old Road at St Margaret's is set to close, with staff being told it will happen in August.

Jane Sproston, owner of neighbouring Fresh Cookie, said her firm gets most of its passing trade from the bank and she fears it will go under without that custom.

"I couldn't believe it when I found out that it is shutting. It seems to be a popular branch," said Ms Sproston.

"You can park for free for 30 minutes on St Margaret's Road and many customers take the opportunity to call into the bank and then call in her to buy something. That will all change from August.

"I don't think we can survive without that trade. It wouldn't affect us right away, but I think we would have to close down after a while without that crucial footfall."

Ms Sproston also expressed concern that older customers will have to go to Cheetham Hill to find their nearest RBS branch.

Fresh Cookie has started a petition to prevent the RBS closure and it has so far gained more than 100 signatures.

Ms Sproston added: "The fact that so many people have signed the petition up to now speaks volumes for the effect this closure is going to have.

"There is a precedent of RBS branches being saved after a campaign to keep them, so hopefully this petition will bear fruit."

An RBS spokesman said: "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 with them such as online and mobile banking.

"As a result, branch transactions have decline, while online and mobile transactions have grown."