Rally against bank closure plan
More than 100 people braved the rain to protest against the potential closure of Westpac’s Fairlie bank.
Fairlie’s usually quiet main street echoed with the chants of sign-wielding protesters as they gathered outside the town’s only bank yesterday afternoon.
The protesters came from all walks of life, from primary school pupils to pensioners, to stand against a proposal to close the Fairlie branch.
They chanted ‘‘save our bank’’, a message that was rewarded with dozens of toots of support from passing motorists.
Westpac announced this month its Fairlie branch was among 19 nationwide it proposed to close. Decisions on the closures were expected by the end of September.
If the Fairlie branch closed, the nearest bank would be in Twizel or Timaru.
For 91-year-old Gwen Patton, the closure would be more than just an inconvenience.
Patton has lived in Fairlie for 69 years. She does not own a computer, and can no longer drive.
‘‘It’s terribly frustrating to think I won’t have a personal connection with whatever bank I go to.’’
To get to the nearest bank, which would be in Timaru, Patton would have to pay $50 to travel in a community vehicle.
Many of those at the protest shared three main concerns – the effect the closure would have on the elderly, on local businesses, and on tourism.
The protest was organised by Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, who described the turnout as ‘‘outstanding’’.
‘‘The whole community has come together, I’m pretty impressed.’’
Dean will fly to Wellington on Thursday to share the community’s views with Westpac representatives.
Fairlie resident Catherine Day said it was ‘‘a bad thing they’re trying to do here’’. ’’This is a small town, but businesses are growing here, come on, what’s going on.’’
Fairlie would not be the only town affected by the proposed closure if it went ahead.
Mackenzie District Council candidate Stella Sweney said there could also be negative consequences for Tekapo.
St Joseph’s School Fairlie pupil Gracie Hellmrich, 10, and two of her friends carried a colourful banner with the message ‘be fair to Fairlie’.
‘‘We came out for our school and church,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s quite important for our community.’’
Mayor Claire Barlow said she was ‘‘absolutely thrilled’’ with the show of support from the town.
‘‘It sends a message right across New Zealand,’’ she said.
‘‘A lot of tourists deal in cash. If you take away the bank, they’re not going to stop and spend a bit of money in our town.’’