The future of Morristown’s First Merchants Bank branch may be down to just months.  

First Merchants has announced an April timeline for the Morristown branch.  Area residents are still fighting to get the word out about how important it is to them to keep it open.

One of those residents is Diane Hannell.  She describes her emotions when she heard that First Merchants intended to consolidate the branch and employees into its Shelbyville facility on Marketplace Boulevard.

Hannell says the community is contacting the bank and more in an effort to prevent the Morristown bank from closing.

This response was provided to GIANT fm News by First Merchants on the closing of their facility in Morristown:

For the past several years, First Merchants has been investing in our vision for a banking delivery transformation that will serve as a catalyst for our company’s future. We are continuing to build on our commitment of meeting the evolving needs of current and prospective clients, while balancing the needs of our communities. First Merchants is embracing the increased utilization of our mobile and online banking services, along with changes in banking center interactions.

On April 20, the Morristown banking center located at 488 West Main Street will consolidate with and into our Shelbyville banking center located at 2350 Marketplace Boulevard.

We welcome clients who use the First Merchants Morristown banking center to access their accounts and bankers at any of our locations, along with a deposit-capable ATM which will remain in the area. First Merchants recognizes the value of our staff, so we are retaining all banking center teammates and helping each teammate find a position at First Merchants.

We believe these changes will allow First Merchants to remain a trusted choice for our clients and communities, attract and retain high-performing teammates, and continue to serve as a reliable and strong investment for our shareholders.

-        First Merchants

Hannell says the community is not satisfied with what they’ve been told.

Hannell says this is more than just keeping convenient banking in town.  It’s about a staff that has always given its personal attention and care to the Morristown community.

Many residents have spoken and written that if this closing happens it will end their affiliation with First Merchants.

A change.org petition that was recently started has over 1, 200 signatures.  You find it at  http://chng.it/vwFDkWXSrj