Irate residents and business people of a popular tourist destination in Northland are feeling betrayed by the closure of their only bank.
About 40 people gathered outside the Westpac branch on Cass St in Russell yesterday to voice their disappointment at the bank's decision to shut shop from September 13 and move its services to nearby Paihia.
The closure will force people to catch a ferry for a 9km trip to Opua, before driving to Paihia to access banking services.
Those directly affected said the bank's move could not have come at a worst time, as demand for banking services would increase in summer as between 6000 and 10,000 people were attracted to Russell.
Westpac yesterday confirmed the impending closure, saying the bank was consolidating its presence in Paihia to ensure a sustainable service for the long term.