Commonwealth Bank in Heathmont set to close its doors next month after a decline in transactions

HEATHMONT is losing a major bank service, with the Commonwealth Bank confirming it is closing its doors next month.

Historians (from left) Gerry Robinson, Rita James, Betty Colbert and Jeff Leipold in front of the Commonwealth Bank in Heathmont, which is closing down. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

HEATHMONT is losing a major bank service, with the Commonwealth Bank confirming it is closing its doors next month.

The bank will close on June 16, after a decline in transactions.

Chris Lynch from Heathmont said she was extremely angry about the closure of the bank.

“This branch provides excellent service and great access for elderly and disabled who do not want to drive into Eastland or go to Bayswater just to get their pensions,” she said.

“Local traders will be impacted by the loss of customers; looks like the Bendigo Bank will be getting our accounts.”

Bayswater state Liberal MP Heidi Victoria said she was disappointed by the closure.

“It’s really disappointing that in such a thriving beautiful community like Heathmont banks see dollars exclusively instead of community service,” Ms Victoria said.

“I can’t imagine that the bank was not profitable,” she said.

She said it was very sad for the local community.

“Hopefully others will see the gap and come in. ”

Heathmont History Group convener Gerry Robinson said the closure of the bank was another reminder of change in the suburb.

“Several local features so well known in the early days of suburban development no longer exist,” Mr Robinson said.

A Commonwealth Bank spokeswoman said the decision to close the Heathmont branch was not easy.

“We understand some members of the community may be disappointed,” she said. “We have identified that fewer customers use this branch after a steady decline in transactions as they choose to use other banking channels like online and mobile.”

The spokeswoman said there was 26 per cent decline in the number of transactions at the Heathmont branch in the past five years.

“We continue to provide a comprehensive range of banking services at our Eastland branch located 3km away, and Studfield less than 5km away from our current location in Heathmont.”