SIR – While most attention is, rightly, focused on the latest post offices to be closed as part of the Government s cutbacks, a further threat is just a few weeks away. Later this summer, the government is set to finally make a decision on whether the up

SIR - While most attention is, rightly, focused on the latest post offices to be closed as part of the Government's cutbacks, a further threat is just a few weeks away.

Later this summer, the government is set to finally make a decision on whether the updated version of the popular Post Office Card Account is to remain within the Post Office or be transferred to another organisation.

The Post Office Card Account offers low cost, hassle-free banking to almost five million people. The card allows easy access to their pensions or benefits at their local post office.

It doesn't have an overdraft and won't allow people to get into debt. Every time someone uses the card at their local post office, the sub-postmaster receives a small payment from the Government. This is worth up to 12 per cent of some sub-postmasters' pay. It is the reason why some branches can still survive.

The National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee both want to see the Post Office run the Post Office Card Account. It is vital to the remaining post offices in this area that the Government agrees.

Mary Murphy, Ragged Hall Lane,

St Albans.