A BOLTON based charity has been left stunned after receiving a notice from Barclays Bank to close their bank account.

The Ummah Welfare Trust (UWT) which carries out relief operations in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East providing support to over a million people has been banking with Barclays since 200 but now has only 30 days to close account.

The charity said Barclays Bank has given no apparent reason to why the notice has been served.

Its director of operations Mohammed Ahmed said in a statement: "We are deeply concerned with Barclays Bank's decision to close our accounts without any justification.

"This decision will not only affect the great work carried out by UWT but will affect millions of people who rely on UWT.

"This decision sets a dangerous precedent of disrupting British charities without any substance, especially as INTERPAL is in the process of having its bank accounts closed by Lloyds TSB.

"Targeting charities in this way shows there is a conceited attempt to stop the good work in politically-sensitive regions by leading British Muslim charities."

UWT is now calling on all supporters and friends to urge Barclays Bank to review its decision so UWT can continue its humanitarian projects across the world without any disruption.

Mr Ahmed added: "We would like to reassure our supporters this is a decision of a bank and does not reflect the view of the Charity Commission."