PEOPLE in parts of Burnley have been left strapped for cash after workers at a North West Post Office depot went on strike.

Pensioners, parents and the unemployed have been suffering since the start of the week because of reduced cash deliveries by the Post Office.

Brunshaw Road Post Office had to turn away people collecting their pensions, Giros and Family Allowances after their cash ran out on Tuesday following a 24-hour strike at the depot in Preston.

The strikes come after Consignia confirmed that it had accepted a bid from Securicor Cash Services for its cash handling and distribution operations.

The strikes have been taking place up and down the country since Monday and have severely disrupted many services.

Heather Doherty, post mistress of Brunshaw Road Post Office said: "There have been a lot of sad people this week coming to this post office.

"We have been able to stay open but on Tuesday could not cash any Giros, give any pensions or family allowances because we ran out of money.

"A delivery came at about 4pm and we haven't had one today, which we will not be getting now.

"We have had to refer people to the main post office which is an inconvenience for a lot of people especially the elderly. I hope they get it sorted out soon."

And Ann-Marie Kernachan, 23, of Brockenhurst Street, Burnley uses the Brunshaw Road post office to collect her family allowance on Tuesday.

She said: "When I came down to pick it up I was told they didn't have any money. I thought it was a joke but obviously it wasn't. Luckily I was able to manage without it but a lot of elderly people who collect their pensions need it there and then."

Detailed contract negotiations are now under way and discussions are continuing with the unions.

A spokesman for Consignia said today: "We are aware that a very small number of post offices did have to close because they ran out of cash. Others were offering a limited service but that situation has changed and people are now getting deliveries as soon as possible.

"We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience this has caused. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike and expect the situation to improve throughout today."