MPs welcome reprieve for post offices

Nov 18 2008 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE immediate future of Post Offices in Halton has been secured following the award of a Government contract which has been welcomed by the borough’s two MPs.

The Government has renewed the contract for post office card accounts which distribute benefits to claimants, including 14,000 people in Halton.

It was feared that 3,000 Post Offices nationwide would have closed if the contract had not been renewed.

The decision has been welcomed in a joint statement from Halton MP Derek Twigg and Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall.

“This is great news for the post office... we are delighted that the Government has listened to what we have been saying on behalf of local people.

“Post Offices are often the only providers of banking services in local areas so this vote of confidence in the post office is very welcome”.