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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Bank protest draws 200 people

 

Over 200 local residents joined Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, in a protest rally outside the Commonwealth Bank at Ettalong Beach on April 15.

The local member launched a petition at the rally, calling on the Commonwealth Bank to immediately drop its plans to close the Ettalong Beach branch.

The petition noted the importance of face-to-face services to the long-term customers, particularly the frail and aged.

The petition also called on banks to supply at least a minimum level of banking services to the community.

Ms Andrews will present the petition to the NSW Parliament.

Since 1995, 171 branches of the Commonwealth Bank have been closed throughout NSW.

Should the closure of the Ettalong Beach bank go ahead, this would be the 172nd branch closure, said Ms Andrews.

"The Commonwealth Bank of Australia once had the proud reputation of being the people's bank.'

"Sadly, this is no longer the case and I call upon the bank's management to reconsider its decision in relation to Ettalong Beach," Ms Andrews said.

She asked the bank to recognise the support of their loyal customers over many years by continuing to offer them the level of service which encouraged people to bank with them in the first place.

For a copy of the petition, contact Ms Andrews' office on 4342 4122 or call in at 20 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.

Press release, April 15