A vast decrease in the number of over-the-counter transactions has resulted in Bank of Melbourne closing its agencies at Stawell and Ararat on July 28, 2017.
But Stawell resident and long-serving customer of 30 years, Ken Dadswell said he was disappointed with the move.
“Stawell misses out again, how are the older customers going to get service now,” he said.
“The bank has been around a long time, but these days it is a bit like a supermarket where they want you to serve yourself.”
A Bank of Melbourne spokesperson said closing the Stawell and Ararat agencies was a decision not taken lightly.
“Technology is changing the way people are choosing to bank, and as a result the number of over-the-counter transactions in branches continues to decline,” they said.
Up to five per cent of customer transactions occur in branches, decreasing to three per cent in regional areas, as more people bank online, over the phone or through ATMs.
“We have partnered with the local Australia Post to cater for people and businesses who prefer to bank face-to-face,” the spokesperson said.
“The Bank@Post service in both Stawell and Ararat offer a convenient way for people to do their everyday banking at no cost, such as depositing cash and cheques, making cash withdrawals and enquiring about their balance.”
Customers have since received letters in the mail detailing the changes in July.
“After reviewing the level of activity in our agency in the Amcal chemist at 104-106 Main Street, Stawell, we’ve decided to close it in July,” the letter stated.
“We look forward to continue to serve you in our Horsham or Ballarat branches.”
“We’ve written to our local customers to let them know about the change, and will work with them to find alternative ways to do their banking at Bank@Post or in our Ballarat or Horsham branches, online, using any ATM, or over the phone- The agencies will close at 3pm on July 28,” a spokesperson added.
