THERE are no current plans to reopen the West Tamworth Commonwealth Bank branch almost a year after it temporarily closed its doors.
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CommBank announced it would temporarily close a number of branches for at least six months in May last year.
That still remains the case, a CommBank spokeswoman said.
"We continue to monitor the situation and health advice across the country and take into account the continued increased use of online banking options by many of our customers at this time," she said.
"We expect it will continue to be several more months before branches reopen, when these decisions are made, appropriate notifications will be made to our staff and customers."
Staff have been redeployed for the time being into call centres and decisions on which branches reopen will depend on customer demand.
The region has escaped new closures by the big four banks unscathed, after CommBank announced it would close three country branches.
NAB will close its Dorrigo and Blayney branches in NSW, plus five others across QLD and VIC.
Westpac and ANZ made the decision to temporarily close a number of branches due to the pandemic and are reportedly considering future options.
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An ANZ spokesman confirmed at this stage no closures will take place in the New England North West region.
"The biggest change we've seen in recent years has been the significant spike in customers choosing digital options to do everything from shopping and ordering food through to engaging with healthcare providers and doing their own banking, which is convenient and secure," he said.
"Whenever we have to make a tough decision to close any of our branches, we notify customers and let them know about the alternatives they have available, including specialist teams on the ground in their region that can help them."
Last year 70 per cent of ANZ customers used digital banking options, in the same time frame only 12 per cent of customers used a physical branch.
That's roughly one transaction per customer per month over the counter.
The ATM at the West Tamworth CommBank continues to operate.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
