CUSTOMERS, shopkeepers and community workers have been shocked by the Commonwealth Bank's decision to close its Jannali branch.
The move, which is due to take place on October 26, means there will no longer be a bank in a wide area, which also includes Bonnet Bay, Kareela, Como and Oyster Bay.
Jannali once had five banks, but residents who want personal service will in future have to travel to Sutherland, Gymea or Sylvania.
Betty and Stan Scollay, who have lived in Oyster Bay for about 50 years, were originally with the Rural Bank, which became the State Bank, then the Colonial Bank and then the Commonwealth.
"We are very disappointed, but it will be even harder for the local shops and very old residents," Mrs Scollay said.
Bill Burke of Bonnet Bay said the loss of a bank in any community had to impact on the commercial viability of the centre, and also had immeasurable social consequences.
Dianne Townsend, the general manager of Jannali Neighbourhood Aid, said staff were concerned for their clients as well as shopkeepers and the wider community.
"It is going to kill Jannali," she said.
The group provides a regular bus service to Jannali for frail and aged people.
"We will have to look at taking them elsewhere, but we don't like doing that because we want to support our local shops," she said.
In a letter addressed to "our valued clients", the bank said the decision had been taken "after very careful consideration of a number of factors which include the proximity of other branches and site specific issues."
The bank said its lease ended on November 6, "and we are unable to secure a lease on acceptable terms given the proposed Woolworths' development next door to, and encompassing, our premises."
It said it was trying to secure a site for an ATM and, for three months, would run a free round-trip bus to Sutherland every two weeks on the day pensions were paid.
JANNALI DISMAY
The announcement was a further blow to Jannali business owners after the approval of the Kirrawee brick pit development and ongoing moves to expand the Kareela shopping centre.
David Hunt of Warren’s Surfwear said it confirmed his decision to close the business his family had run for 43 years. He would cease trading in January.
Mr Hunt said he and other business owners were frustrated by the bank linking the decision to a proposed Woolworths development on the Flemings supermarket site.
‘‘Surely a Woolworths would be a reason to stay in Jannali,’’ he said.
‘‘The Woolworths development has been talked about for 13 years. The Commonwealth Bank has shown no leadership in the community since the proposal was put on the table.
‘‘It stood idly by for two years while efforts were made to start a community bank in Jannali, which could be operating now if the Commonwealth Bank had made its decision known earlier.’’
What do you think of the bank's decision?
