Westpac Ermington branch closure annoys residents

Locals want the big four banks to be called to account following the closure of another branch, this time in Ermington.

Ex-Parramatta councillor Pierre Esber outside the now closed Westpac bank at Ermington.

WHEN Westpac closed its branch in Ermington it said the increase in online banking was to blame along with a drop in over the counter business but ex-Parramatta councillor Pierre Esber wants the big four banks called to account.

“I just think the big four have to be seriously responsible to their communities,” said Mr Esber who added the local community were upset by the closure of the branch at Betty Cuthbert Ave.

“How much does a branch cost to run? Banks are making ridiculous profits. Where does this stop? In 20 years’ time, is it all going to be electronic banking?”

Mr Esber said there were “some people who are illiterate when it comes to online and they don’t want to use online banking”.

The increase in mobile banking has been cited as a reason for the bank’s closure.

“You look at a senior citizen over 65-70, they may not have experience of the computer, and people don’t like change, especially older people. They go out to the shops and they go to the doctor and they want to go to the bank too.

“I would love to have the four executives in the room and ask them why they keep closing branches.

“I think the government part of their conditions should be that you have to have a responsibility to the community.”

A Westpac spokeswoman said Westpac, like many banks, had made changes to its branch network as counter transactions declined to less than five per cent of total transactions.

She said more people were choosing mobile banking, internet banking and ATMs.

Westpac had been in Ermington since 1961.