BOROUGH MP Andrew Miller has welcomed the government’s decision to award a new contract for the continuation of the Post Office Card Account (POCA) directly to the Post Office.

There was concern that, if the Post Office had lost the account – which people use to pick up their pensions and benefits – then thousands of small branches would have been forced to close.

Mr Miller said: “This is great news for local post offices that rely on the business that people picking up their pensions or benefits through the card account brings into branches.

“More than 6,000 people in Ellesmere Port and Neston currently have these accounts.”

He recently met Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, to discuss the issue.

Mr Miller explained: “I thank everyone who has stood up for local post offices and made their voices known on this.

“Matters like this highlight how important it is for people to make representation to their MPs when issues of concern crop up and I encourage people in the constituency to let me know their feelings.”

About four million people receive their benefits and pensions through POCA.