Commonwealth Bank Ermington to close on December 6

A 48 per cent decline in transactions over the past five years has spelt the death of the Commonwealth Bank branch at Ermington.

The Commonwealth Bank at Ermington is shutting.

• Community outrage over Pendle Hill branch closure
• Lone ATM remains

The Commonwealth Bank at Ermington is the third branch to shut in the Parramatta area over the past year.

The Betty Cuthbert Drive bank displayed a sign informing customers of its December 6 move this week.

Professionals Real Estate agent Philip Lenehan said the move would be at odds with seniors, particularly those who flocked there on Thursdays.

He said its location, close to Victoria Rd, would be a loss.

The Commonwealth Bank at Ermington has easy access to parking and other shops and services.

“The bank’s very popular in a small centre and we’re ideally located off Victoria Rd and we’ve got a carpark on Victoria Rd,’’ he said.

“I know a lot of people around aren’t happy.’’

Instead, residents would be forced to drive to West Ryde or Parramatta Westfield and tackle parking problems.

The bank is just off Victoria Rd.

Commonwealth Bank regional general manager Irene Rowlands said a recent review found transactions at the Ermington branch had declined by 48 per cent over the past five years and customers were opting to use mobile phone and online services instead.

“We understand some customers may be concerned, so want to assure them that during the six-week transition period, our branch staff are on hand to help familiarise them with all the existing banking options available,’’ she said.

Former Cumberland Mayor Greg Cummings was outraged when the Commonwealth Bank failed to inform the council of its closure. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“Closing a branch is never an easy decision. We only do so after careful consideration of customer demand and the availability of alternative services.”

She said banks and branches were still open at West Ryde, Eastwood, Carlingford and the recently refurbished Westfield Parramatta, which also opens on weekends.

The Australia Post at Ermington is also available to conduct personal and business banking transactions.

On September 13, the Pendle Hill branch shut, leaving the suburb with no bank.

Westmead is in the same predicament, with the bank acquired from the State Government to make way for Parramatta Light Rail in December.

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