Bank making a withdrawal at Yamba and Maclean

THE closure of two St George Banking Group outposts in Maclean and Yamba on February 27 will have a big impact on Lower River residents.

St George Bank will close two local 'bragencies', which are a cross between a branch and an agency, on February 27.

ALTHOUGH the two St George Banking Group outposts in Professionals Real Estate at Maclean and Priceline chemist at Yamba are small, their closure on February 27 will have a big impact on Lower River residents.

St George Banking Group media relations head Fiona Macrae said the two kiosks were called bragencies, a combination of a branch and agency.

"Bragencies at St George are branded banking service providers, operated by independent contractors in small businesses such as video stores, real estate agents and newsagents," Ms Macrae said.

A lower river resident who asked to remain anonymous said because it was too inconvenient to travel to Grafton, she would change from St. George to Westpac.

"I've been with St George for 35 years. (The bragency closures) are so inconvenient for me," she said.

Although St. George offered phone and internet banking, she said she preferred to deal face-to-face, as did many people in the area.

"I was only told on Wednesday, they didn't send any letters out," the woman said.

"I went in to get money from Priceline and the attendant told me.

Ms Macrae said St. George customers could still use the Yamba and Maclean post office's Bank@Post service to deposit cash and cheques, make cash withdrawals and balance inquiries. Customers could also use the Westpac branch ATMs at 219 River St and Shop 2, 19 Yamba St fee-free.

But, the lower river woman said it did not address the problem of other banking that was easier done face-to-face.

Originally published as Bank making a withdrawal at Yamba and Maclean