The ANZ National Bank in Kurow will close tomorrow, but a combined meeting of Waitaki Valley business groups has been arranged to discuss the issue, at the Otematata Lakes Hotel, on July 20.
Waitaki Community Trust treasurer Donna Coleman-Smith said although business owners had already been in contact with their own banks to encourage them to open branch or ATM facilities in the township, the meeting would also provide a platform to air other possible solutions.
"Until we have that meeting, we won't really know which direction we can go, and whether we can convince someone to support us. We are just really going to have a look at those options."
Ahuriri Ward caller Craig Dawson said the bank's closure had caused a lot of "angst" in Kurow and elicited surprise from Omarama businesses.
He said he expected about 20 people, representing businesses in Omarama, Otematata and Kurow to attend the meeting.
"We want to chuck round some ideas basically, just to see what Kurow wants, and what the possibilities are, that's the big thing."
It had been feared that the closure of the bank would also mean locals would no longer be able to pay for New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) items, such as vehicle registrations, at the Kurow Information Centre, but information centre manager Karron Cossens said an arrangement had been reached with NZTA to keep facilities open.
Ms Cossens said from next week eftpos facilities would be in place for NZTA transactions.
However, the eftpos system would not have a "cash out" capacity, she said.
Meanwhile, locals had been quick to rally round to help each other out concerning the 120km round trip to Oamaru, which would be necessary to conduct banking, she said.
"NZTA have confirmed that even though we are not banking every day, that we can still run the agency, so that's very much of a relief.
"We will be getting the banking in on a Monday to meet the needs of the transport agency in terms of the transfer of money over account, but a few locals have offered to drive into town for me," Ms Cossens said.
