EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF CHERRY, BEKAERT & HOLLAND, L.L.P.

The Board of Directors
Citizens South Banking Corporation

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 333-103218) and the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-77657) of Citizens South Banking
Corporation of our report dated February 5, 2003, relating to the consolidated
statements of condition, operations, comprehensive income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and for
the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, the three month period ended
December 31, 2000 and the year ended September 30, 2000, which is included in
the December 31, 2002 annual report on Form 10-K of Citizens South Banking
Corporation.

/s/ Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.

Gastonia, North Carolina
March 26, 2003


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