Brighton-Le-Sands residents and business owners hope people power will keep their community bank open.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is closing its branch in the suburb on April 8 because of a drop in customers and steady decline in face-to-face transactions.
In response to the decision, NSW senate candidate for Australian Peoples Party, Teresa Van Lieshout, is organising a petition to put pressure on the bank to reverse the move.
Armed with 9000 flyers and more than 160 signatures, she said the essential banking service needed to stay.
“I’ve spoken with people in the area and they are upset about this,” she said.
“This is a popular branch; lots of elderly people and other bank customers go there.
“I’ve spoken with the manager of the branch, and she said there had been a 10 year economic decline.
“Those claims are disappointing...I think the profits are a motive.”
She said businesses would also suffer.
“This will leave the community without effective banking, and will affect the productivity of the region,” she said.
“It’s part of a bigger problem because when you remove a banking service, it draws away economic activity.
“Brighton is an area for tourism – it’s a small business sector that draws visitors in, not only the local community.”
They've dropped a bomb with this decision.
- Victor Sawicki, branch customer
An automated teller machine (ATM) will be available nearby after the branch closes.
A new branch will open on April 11 at Rockdale Plaza.
When the Leader went to the Brighton-Le-Sands branch at peak lunch time this week, the bank was empty.
But several walk-ins said they were shocked at the announcement.
John Wilkinson walks to the bank from President Avenue each week, to withdraw his pension.
“It’s a nuisance because I’ll have to get a bus to get my money out,” he said.
“I’ve been using this branch for 40 years.
“I don’t think they are thinking of the public.”
Brighton-Le-Sands business owner Victor Sawicki said he would consider switching banks.
“I’ve been a customer of this branch since 1977, but may now change banks,” he said.
“I won’t drive to Rockdale or Kogarah because there’s no parking, and I won’t do internet banking.
“They’ve dropped a bomb with this decision.”
Christina Meligonis was worried about how her parents would manage.
“My mother is in a wheelchair, and my dad, who is 86, can’t push her to Rockdale,” she said.
Another customer said he had no idea the branch was moving.
“I wasn’t consulted...if they continue with this plan they will lose many customers including me,” he said.
“I like face-to-face banking – online is never secure.”
The petition is running until March 31.
Details: 0400 409 771.
