NAB under fire over Windsor branch closure

National Australia Bank (NAB) has come under fire after announcing it will close it’s Windsor branch in August this year forcing customers to travel to Rouse Hill, Castle Hill or use local Australia Post services.

Hawkesbury residents have taken to social media to vent their anger at the decision they claim will leave many residents, particularly the elderly without banking services.

“I feel for the elderly customers!!!I know my parents are going to struggle with this closure. There is just no customer service anymore, anywhere,” one resident said.

Another said; “Robyn Preston you need to push harder on this with the NAB. Not all Post Offices allow you to do Business Banking and if you require cash out they are sometimes restricted with that too.”

“We never go to Rouse Hill for any shopping let alone if we need to go to the bank. Numerous elderly customers will be disadvantaged by this extremely thoughless and selfish decision by NAB,” a local resident said.

As more, customers move to banking online, over the phone, or by video conference banks have closed branches around the country forcing some customers to make long trips to access their nearest bank. Accessing Rouse Hill or Castle Hill will be difficult for many customers as there are no direct public transport routes.

In justifying their decision, NAB said that only 55% of its customers in Windsor had visited the branch in the past year and more than 71% are using other locations including the new Castle Hill branch.

The bank said that today 12% of its customers rely on branch-only banking and no other methods.
Banks have turned to Australia Post to deliver basic banking services in areas without branches however a Senate inquiry heard that these services are too limited.

In a statement NAB said customers can withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques, and check their account balance using their PIN enabled card linked to their NAB transaction account at participating Australia Post Offices. Customers with a Passbook can also withdraw cash.

NAB at 141 George Street, Windsor will close on Thursday 10 August.