A Westpac spokesperson said letters have been sent to customers this week informing them that the bank will close on May 12.

“Following a recent consultation period, we have made the difficult decision to proceed with the closure of the Laurieton branch. We wish for the Laurieton community, including local businesses and our customers, to know that the decision to close the branch was not made lightly,” the Westpac spokesperson said.

“We have sent letters to our customers this week providing them with specific information about the changes.

“We are committed to helping our customers through a number of ways, including face-to-face banking at our Port Macquarie or Wauchope branch or Bank@Post at Laurieton’s Australia Post.

“Our ATM will remain at the same location, and customers can also access their banking 24/7 through our Internet, Mobile and Phone banking services.

“We encourage those who are concerned about their future banking needs to contact us to see how we can help.”

Westpac will be calling all passbook customers “to assist in the transition of enabling them to continue their daily banking requirements through an account that has card access.”

The current mobile lending team which covers the Camden Haven area remains the same and no change is being made.

“We have met with the local Australia Post team at Laurieton and will work closely with them during the transition,” the spokesperson said.

“Our local Laurieton team and bank manager Mel Clout will be running weekly education sessions on how to continue banking with Westpac starting on February 23. Our Laurieton staff will also be available through booked appointment or  walk in appointments when available to discuss any of the upcoming changes.

“Just five per cent of customer transactions are taking place in branches these days, as more and more customers choose to use digital banking channels like mobile banking, internet banking and smart ATMs.”

It is understood current staff at the Laurieton branch are being given options for future employment.

“We are focused on helping our employees with redeployment opportunities and we are currently having discussions with them about their career options,” the spokesperson said.