PO contract welcomed

POST Offices across North Lincolnshire are rejoicing after the Government announced they will keep a major contract.

The Post Office Card contract, which is used by many people to receive benefits, pensions and tax credit payments, has been renewed beyond 2010.

The deal, announced by Pensions Secretary James Purnell in the House of Commons in today, means about £1 billion to the post office network across the country.

At Bottesford PO, on Messingham Road, postmaster Raaj Athwal said: "Here at Bottesford we have a big Post Office Card customer base.

"For us it does make a big difference as it adds to the number of services that we provide."

Barton MP Shona McIsaac welcomed the news. She said: "Post offices are the heart of the community and the card account is a much valued service."

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