Concerns voiced over Westpac branch closures

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese is set to engage with Westpac, after the bank announced last week the potential closure of branches around the country.

Nelson mayor Rachel Reese is set to engage with Westpac, after the bank announced last week the potential closure of branches around the country. 

The Westpac Stoke branch was listed among those that may be closed down, according to First Union. 

Reese said as Nelson’s fastest growing community, Stoke will house over three quarters of its population growth in the next thirty years and the Council is focused on having the necessary services in place to support the anticipated growth.  

Reese says focusing on developing Stoke is an important part of the city’s future. 

“Our commitment to this city’s success sees provisions for a number of initiatives in Stoke, our fastest growing suburb, including construction of a community facility at Greenmeadows.” 

Projects in the pipeline for the area include a youth park, an extension to the library and further improvements to parking and transport issues. 

Reese has been in talks with Nelson Grey Power and have agreed that Westpac’s Stoke Branch is an important service for local residents, particularly the older population. 

 “I look forward to having constructive discussions with Westpac representatives, and key business and community organisations, in the coming weeks regarding this proposal,” said Reese.

“It is critical that decisions are made at a local level with good quality information rather than at a one size fits all national level.”