On Wednesday, politicians and residents met with head of retail banking for the Commonwealth Bank, Angus Sullivan, to discuss the closure decision.

Cabonne shire Mayor Kevin Beatty said: "He gave a commitment to us that the bank would not be re-opened, much to our disappointment.

"However, I put to him the fact that we should have an ATM reinstated for the use of the community members of Molong and surrounding area. He gave a commitment to reinstate the ATM.

"This is not the outcome that we were seeking and we are disappointed we have not been able to reverse the decision to close the branch."

Molong resident Aaron Pearson created a petition against the closure of both the Molong and Blayney branches which received more than 1,100 signatures.

While he would have liked more, he was proud of what "people power" achieved.

"A great deal of thanks is owed in many directions such as Cabonne Council and our federal MP Andrew Gee for the behind the scenes negotiations with the CBA board, the local and national media for bringing focus on this issue and how it affected the community and the 1,166 people who signed the online petition," he said.

"The petition was signed not only by people of our area but many from other places to who supported us in the fight.

"Last but definitely not least a great deal of thanks goes to the people of Cabonne who were vocal about this issue. The result wasn't what we had hoped for but it is a victory nonetheless. People power wins again."

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee was not as pleased.

He said offering to keep the ATMs "doesn't cut it."

"It's highly insulting for the banks to consult with our communities after the horse has bolted and the branch doors have closed," he said.

"That's why I'm using this week in Parliament to canvas support for a Parliamentary inquiry into regional banking services. We need to shine a light on this issue. I'll keep the community updated on the progress."

Hills and Croft Blayney owner Angus Pryse-Jones has banked with the Commonwealth Bank for years and also voiced his disappointment with the closure to Mr Sullivan at Wednesday's meeting.

"Other banks have always approached us for loans, but we were loyal to the Commonwealth Bank because we wanted them to stay in Blayney," Mr Stanbridge said.

"Now though because they've left town there's no reason for us or anyone to stay loyal to them. There are a lot of options out there in banking."

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