By Eleanor Wilson
The Commonwealth Bank branch in Hampton Park will close its doors permanently next month, leaving the local community frustrated.
The branch, located in Hampton Park Square on Somerville Road, will close on 15 July, with Commonwealth Bank regional general member Nicole Rahme citing a decrease in transactions as the reason behind the closure.
“Following a recent review and in line with our lease expiry, we made the difficult decision to permanently close our Hampton Park branch,” she said.
“This branch has had transactions drop by half over the five years before the coronavirus pandemic.”
Ms Rahme stressed there would be no job losses as a result of the decision and said staff would be offered redeployment opportunities.
As for customers impacted by the branch closure, Ms Rahme said nearby branches including Fountain Gate, Dandenong Plaza, Cranbourne and Casey Central were available for over-the-counter service.
She said 33 per cent of Hampton Park customers were already using these branches, adding banking could also be done at the local Australia Post shop on Hallam Road.
“For customers who prefer face-to-face options, Bank@Post is also available down the road at the Hampton Park LPO for personal and business banking transactions,” she said.
“Last year we renewed this service until 2032, so customers can continue to make withdrawals and deposits including passbooks during normal business hours.
“Customers can also access their accounts 24 hours a day through NetBank or the CommBank App. We are also available for general banking enquiries through our locally-based contact centres on 13 22 21 every day between 6am and 10pm.”
Yet locals argue the decision to close the branch would negatively impact the community’s vulnerable members, including customers who do not use internet banking and those with limited mobility.
Customer Sue Kitt, who prefers in-person banking to the online alternative, has banked at the Hampton Park branch for 35 years.
She said the closing of the branch was “unfair to the people of Hampton Park”.
“It’s the only bank I go to, I live in Junction Village and [don’t] want to go anywhere else,” she said.
