Mayor Rachel Reese to engage with Westpac on Bank closures

Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese has expressed concern over Westpac’s proposal to close branches across New Zealand including the Stoke branch.

Stoke is Nelson’s fastest growing community. Over the next thirty years Stoke will be home to three quarters of Nelson’s population growth and half its new housing. Our Council has recognised the need for appropriate facilities and services to support this forecasted growth.

Mayor 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.”

Further projects include next steps for the Stoke Hall, a youth park, an extension to the Library, and further improvements to parking and transport issues.

I have been in discussion with Nelson Grey Power and we are in agreement that Westpac’s Stoke Branch is an important service for local residents, particularly the older population.

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

It is important that Westpac understands the development potential we see for the Stoke Centre and the high level of population growth in the surrounding suburb that supports considerable new home development and investment in the commercial centre.

ENDS

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