An ANZ spokesman said the decision close was not an easy one and the ANZ bank considered a range of factors before making it, but he said research showed customers had been using branches less and less for their banking needs.

“More than 60 per cent of our customers at Narooma are already using mobile or internet banking alternatives with a further 11 per cent preferring to use the ATM. Less than 20 per cent of them prefer to use the branch,” he said.

“We apologies for any inconvenience this closure may cause for our customers. We have written to them about this closure and let to them know where and how they can continue to do their banking.

“They can use the Bank@Post facilities located at the Narooma Post Office on Wagonga Street, which is just 150 metres from the current branch site, to make deposits, withdrawals and payments using ANZ debit or credit cards.

“Customers can continue to use the ATM at the branch, which will remain there until we can find a new permanent location in town. They can also visit our other branches in the area on Orient Street, Batemans Bay, or Carp Street, Bega.

“We are consulting the staff members who currently work at the Narooma branch about opportunities to work in nearby ANZ branches.

“We are fully supporting them through this transition period and making every effort to find redeployment opportunities for them.”