Westpac has notified the Finance Sector Union that it plans to close eight branches in Victoria, and several others around Australia. 

A Westpac spokesperson said that when closing a branch the bank took factors such as usage, location, proximity to other services and community needs into account. 

Read more: Ed Harry to close stores after limited company buyer interest

The Westpac outlet at Lansell Square is the only bank branch at the shopping centre.

“We are continually reviewing our services to ensure they reflect how our customers are choosing to bank, now and in the future,” the spokesperson said.

“In the past 12 months, less than 2 per cent of transactions were through our branch network, as an increasing number of customers enjoy the convenience of our online and mobile banking services.

Despite the 22 closures planned, the spokesperson said Westpac would be investing more than $120 million into its branch and ATM network this year.

Read more: The Royal Commission report at a glance

FSU national secretary Julia Angrisano said the message to customers and staff was that Westpac cares more about profits than people.

“Now should be the time that banks turn their attention to rebuilding public trust but closing branches is a kick in the guts for the community,” she said.

“We know how hard the loss of a branch hits local residents, particularly the elderly and Westpac has left them in the lurch.

“These closures will also impact on local businesses. And we know in some parts of Australia, the 76 bank workers affected by these closures could find it difficult to get another job.”

Menswear company Ed Harry announced today that its Lansell Square outlet will close along with other Ed Harry stores.

​More to come.

With AAP.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.