Bendigo Bank’s decision to close Kingston branch ‘very disappointing’, says Franklin MP Julie Collins

Bendigo Bank will permanently close one of its Tasmanian branches – and one federal MP has already lashed the bank for its decision. LATEST >>

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BENDIGO Bank has opted to permanently close its Kingston branch after “much consideration”.

It is a decision Franklin Labor MHR Julie Collins has labelled ”very disappointing”.

The branch, at the Channel Court Shopping Centre, is set to shut for good at 2pm on August 13.

Following the closure, Bendigo Bank will have 20 branches and three agencies across Tasmania.

“From this date, customer accounts at Bendigo Bank Kingston will be automatically transferred to our flagship branch, Bendigo Bank Hobart,” a Bendigo Bank spokesman said.

“An ATM is also available at Bendigo Bank Hobart to provide convenient access to cash. Customers can also continue to make in-person cash transactions using the Bank@Post service at Australia Post in the Channel Court Shopping Centre … or continue to transact 24/7 online, via our mobile app and on 1300 BENDIGO.

“The bank is in the process of communicating these changes to its Kingston customers and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.”

Bendigo Bank is closing its branch at Kingston in the Channel Court Shopping Centre on August 13.

Staff at the Kingston branch will be redeployed across Bendigo Bank’s Tasmanian branch network, the spokesman said.

Ms Collins said she had been “overwhelmed” by the number of Kingston residents who had fought to keep the local Centrelink and Medicare office open in 2016, which was why “the closure of this (Bendigo Bank) branch is very disappointing”.

“I know many members of our community, particularly older Tasmanians, rely on face-to-face services at bank branches,” she said.

”I hope everything can be done to help southern Tasmanian residents who will be impacted (by this closure).”

Bendigo Bank has the second-largest branch network in the state, with more than 125 employees.

Residents of St Marys on Tasmania’s East Coast recently expressed dismay at Commonwealth Bank’s announcement that it would be closing its local branch on August 6.