The branch on William Street was officially opened in January 2006 and employs four staff.

But from September 15, the Bathurst and Penrith branches will amalgamate.

So it seems that Bathurst customers of the bank, who’s slogan is ‘It’s possible to love a bank’, will have to embark upon a long distance relationship and make the two-hour journey to the foot of the mountains to visit their nearest branch.

“The Bathurst branch wasn’t getting the foot traffic or transaction volumes that were needed to make it viable,” a BOQ spokesman said.

But the decision to merge the Bathurst branch with the Penrith outlet was not made lightly.

“The BOQ took quite some time to make this decision,” he said. 

“The fact that more and more people are following the trend towards online banking was certainly a contributing factor.”

BOQ customers will still have access to a range of banking options.

“Customers will still have access to an ATM in William Street and Bank@Post facilities in Howick Street and on Stewart Street,” the spokesman said. “Also, internet banking will be available from www.boq.com.au.

“The Penrith owner-manager Anthony Walker will also be available, on an ongoing basis, for customer consultation in Bathurst. Customers just need to call the Penrith branch to organise it.”

The four BOQ Bathurst branch employees will not transfer to Penrith.

“Unfortunately, the four staff that BOQ employ in Bathurst will be affected,” the spokesman said.

“All four will be taking redundancy packages.”

Customers can visit the William Street branch, up until Tuesday, September 15, with any questions relating to the merger.