Oldham Lib Dems press for Post Office decision

12.33.37pm GMT Tue 21st Oct 2008

Oldham East & Saddleworth Liberal Democrats are pressing for action on the future of the Post Office Card Account.

Lib Dem Parliamentary hopeful for Oldham East & Saddleworth, Elwyn Watkins, said, "19,000 people in Oldham Borough use the Post Office Card Account to collect benefits or the state pension.

"A decision on the future of the Post Office Card Account is long overdue and it is time for the government to stop dodging the issue.

"The Post Office is a unique service and an integral part of the local community. If Post Office Card Accounts are removed from the post office, it is estimated that we would lose around 10 additional post office branches in our area.

"We should remember that each post office is somebody's business and we should be looking to clarify the situation as soon as possible.

"In the current banking crisis there are lot's of people looking for somewhere safe to do their banking, so this is the worst possible time for the government to procrastinate on the future of the Post Office Card Account.

"The government's refusal to give any answers about the proposed replacement for the Post Office Card Account system shows a lack of consideration to the residents of the Oldham area who rely on this service and on their local post offices.

"This is a problem which can have disproportionate impact upon rural communities like Saddleworth, where there are far more post offices than bank branches."