AN East Lancashire MP has moved to reassure people over the changes at the Post Office.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said customers would still be able to collect benefit or pensions from their local post office despite changes being made from April next year.

"The Government has decided to phase out order books and Giros from April 2003 and payments will be made directly into a bank, building society or Post Office card account.

"The current system dates back to just after the last war and it is felt that modernisation is overdue. It is expensive to administer and is wide open to fraud and abuse.

"I know from what people have told me that very many people prefer to collect cash on a weekly basis from their local post office and the Government has listened to these concerns.

"They will still be able to do this. People will be able to opt for access to basic bank accounts at post office branches and the Post Office card account."

Due to the huge numbers involved the changes will be phased in over a two-year period starting April 2003 and a direct mailing will go to customers informing them of their account options.

Mr Prentice said: "No-one will need to take action until they receive this letter.

"I know that these proposals have caused some anxiety among many people but they can be assured that they will be able to continue to collect their money from the post office."