RURAL Post Offices across West Devon are under serious threat of going out of business if the Government goes ahead with plans to end the Post Office card account scheme, borough councillors have been told. The Post Office card accounts are used by people to access their pensions and benefits and replace the old system of booklets and cash over the counter. But the Government is refusing a renew a contract to fund the card accounts. West Devon Borough Council fears it will sound the death knell for its small rural Post Offices, and, in some cases, the community shops that also provide Post Office services. Cllr Pam Scannell, leader of the council?s Liberal Democrat Group, told councillors: ?Without this continual lifeblood, the Post Office and some shops that provides its services will die. Let us not have any illusions on this. ?The village shop is at the heart of every community where friendships are fostered and villagers valued. They should be protected for the survival of our villages.? ?This is another example of the Government eroding the very existence of our communities. We must protect the Post Offices for the survival of our villages.? Cllr David Weeks said: ?I?m horrified at what?s happening to our once great service. Rural areas will surely suffer by what?s happening to the Post Offices. ?My immediate concern is the Post Office Rural Network Funding which is supposed to be renewed in 2008 to preserve Post Offices in rural areas. I think it should be extended for an indefinite period.? The council unanimously agreed to write to the Department of Work and Pensions, urging the Government department to reconsider its decision not to renew the contract. The council also wants the Government to stop pilot schemes being brought in, in advance of the card account scheme being brought to an end in 2010. Councillors are also pressing the Government to consider granting Post Offices the opportunity to expand services, and to extend the Post Office Rural Network Funding for an indefinite period.
