Wauchope Business Chamber and locals respond to Commonwealth Bank's announcement to reduce face-to-face hours

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Gary Rainbow said the decision is a curious one.

"After speaking to many businesses in Wauchope, people are genuinely shocked at the Commonwealth Bank's decision to reduce hours at the local branch to half day service," he said.

"The community of Wauchope and the hinterland is a powerhouse of the Hastings economy. It contributes 40 per cent of the local gross domestic product."

The decision to reduce hours of 90 Commonwealth Bank branches was made following consultation with staff and was in response to a high number of "complex customer service enquiries" and a reduction in visitors.

The Wauchope branch will continue to operate as normal during the morning and early afternoon, but will then close its doors at 1pm to assist CBA's Australian-based contact centres from September 13, 2021.

Many locals also expressed their concerns through social media when the Port News posted a story about the decision last week.

"That's a shame, customers don't seem to be important anymore," one comment read.

"More people in the area and less services. Go figure," another said.

Mr Rainbow said the decision will impact both locals and businesses.

"The Commonwealth Bank has had a presence in Wauchope for almost a hundred years," he said.

"With a population that's growing rapidly it is a curious decision."

Outside of these new trading hours, Bank@Post will continue to be available at 3500 Australia Post outlets for customers who prefer face-to-face banking services.

The Commonwealth Bank recently renewed its 10-year partnership with Australia Post until 2032, so both personal and business customers can make withdrawals, deposits and bill payments, including passbooks, during normal business hours.

The 90 local communities currently have 24/7 access to Commonwealth Bank ATMs, which will also remain available.

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