Avalon

Security Pacific National Bank has extended the closing date of its Santa Catalina Island branch for four months, to March 31, 1986, to allow for a smoother closing, spokeswoman Susan Taha said.

The bank, on the island for 66 years, announced two weeks ago it would close the branch on Nov. 20 because the cost of automating the facility was too high.

The announcement surprised city officials and the community. The City Council held a special Saturday meeting last week and agreed to try to persuade the bank to reconsider.

Taha, however, said the bank’s decision is final.

“We regret that we are closing, but I think the community understands that it is for business reasons,” she said.

Mayor George Scott said he will try to get another major bank to open a branch in Avalon.