Bank sets up in prefabs

John Coles.
John Coles.
ANZ bank customers in Waimate will have to deposit money at temporary prefabricated cabins after the bank's existing premises in Queen St failed to meet the bank's earthquake safety standards.

Despite the closure of the premises, Waimate Mayor John Coles said the bank had given assurances they would not leave the town.

''The assurance that the ANZ have given us is that they are definitely not leaving Waimate. That's a really good plus for us. They are here for the long haul.

''I'd like to think that the building can be strengthened or some other suitable accommodation found for them very soon, because I have seen what has been put in for temporary accommodation and it's not very attractive.

''Their intentions, I would think, are not to be there very long, and for the sake of everyone I hope that's the case."

ANZ regional manager Vaughn Keenan said the branch would relocate to temporary accommodation, opposite the Waimate Council offices in Queen St on December 17.

Mr Keenan said the bank would investigate alternative accommodation in the town.

ANZ was ''proud'' to be part of the community and was ''committed to being there for our customers''.

The bank would not leave Waimate, he said.

andrew.ashton@odt.co.nz

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