Community outrage over Commonwealth Bank closure, taking ATMs

A 40 per cent drop in transactions at the Commonwealth Bank’s Pendle Hill branch has led to its closure next month.

Jarrod Ruppell at the soon-to-close Pendle Hill Commonwealth Bank.

• Pendle Hill: More shops come with a bond
• Wentworthville: St George bank shuts
• Westmead has no bank
• Pendle Hill: Commuter carpark stalls

The Commonwealth Bank has been accused of abandoning its customers in favour of shareholders as it prepares to shut the Pendle Hill branch on September 13 when the suburb will be without an ATM.

Cumberland Mayor Greg Cummings slammed the Commonwealth Bank for ignoring the community.

“It’s greatly disappointing,’’ he said.

“The lack of respect that CBA didn’t even have the courtesy to inform the local council and residents and customers.

“When you consider the money the CBA turns over, it must be one of the most wealthy banks in the world. They must be caring about shareholders.”

In April, the Commonwealth Bank was reportedly planning to axe 10,000 jobs and about $2 billion in costs.

The Commonwealth Bank at Pendle Hill will be gone.

The bank would not comment on the number of job losses at the Pendle Hill branch but said “generally when a Commonwealth Bank branch closes, our priority is to work with employees to discuss their options, including redeployment opportunities”.

Commonwealth Bank Sydney regional general manager Irene Rowlands said transactions at the Pendle Hill declined by 40 per cent in the past five years due to customers using mobile, online and phone banking services.

“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.

Jarrod Ruppell at the Commonwealth Bank Pendle Hill. Not even ATMs will remain.

However, residents will not have an ATM at Pendle Hill.

Instead, the bank is diverting customers to Toongabbie, Westfield Parramatta, Seven Hills or Wentworthville branches — or the post office.

“The Australia Post outlet six stores down the road at 132 Pendle Way is also available for customers to conduct personal and business banking transactions, such as withdrawals, deposits and bill payments including passbooks during normal business hours,’’ Ms Rowlands said.

Cumberland Mayor Greg Cummings is not impressed with the bank. Picture: Joel Carrett

Wentworthville resident Jarrod Ruppell labelled the closure of the bank and loss of ATMs a pain.

“Wenty doesn’t have that many ATMS anyway now so it’s just a pain,’’ he said.

“It’s less personalised now.”

Girraween’s Cynthia Vaz will miss the convenience of the bank.

“It’s on the way to work. I think a lot of people make use of this place. It’s very convenient and when it shuts it’s going to have a lot of effect on people.”

But Cr Cummings said the branch closure would be most detrimental to seniors.

“The elderly are very reluctant to use the electronic devices,’’ he said.

There will soon be no ATM at Pendle Hill. Picture: Carmela Roche

“A lot of them are still using passbooks and it’s going to be very difficult for them.”

The service ceasing comes despite the rapid growth in the suburb, including the former Bonds site at nearby Dunmore St, where 1200 units will be built — before the supermarket and other shops are completed to support residents.

“Obviously this will have an ongoing effect,’’ Cr Cummings said.

“Any reduction in service reduces the amount of passing trade, and it’s a growing trend, and if you look at the banks in general, it’s a growing trend to close the branches.

“You’ve got a major hub there, next to a major station. I just think it’s a sad day.”

The closure is the second branch it closed in Cumberland since December when the Westmead branch shut to make way for the Parramatta Light Rail.

In November, St George shut its Wentworthville branch in the already-struggling shopping centre.