AN ELDERLY woman from Preston has attacked social security bosses over how and where she can draw her pension.

Stunned Margaret Grime, who turns 60-years-old in November, has been told by Preston's DSS office that if she wants to collect her pension from her local Post Office she will only be able to draw it out ONCE A YEAR!

Margaret, from Threefields, Ingol, says she is "flabbergasted" by the decision and has now launched a fierce assault on the social security office for doing their bit to deny local Post Offices vital business.

"It's an absolute disgrace," stormed Margaret.

"I've worked all my life and that money is mine, so surely I can decide where and when I get it.

"The DSS told me that if my pension went straight in to my bank or building society account, then I would be paid either weekly or monthly.

"But I want to pick it up from the Post Office. I know my pension is only a meagre £5 a week amount, but that's not really the point." Margaret, who used to work as a home help, added: "They are taking custom away from local Post Offices and I just think it's wrong.

"There's a lot of people I know who are fighting hard for Post Offices in Ingol, and it's the government who are to blame for the slide in local Post Offices."

Ingol councillor Bill Chadwick echoed Margaret's comments after she contacted him asking for help.

Mr Chadwick said: "This stance by the DSS will further erode the Post Office service. I will be writing to the Benefits Agency asking them to look in to the matter further."

A spokesperson for the BA added: "Unfortunately because the payable amount is so low, there's no other option left for this lady if she wants it paid to her local Post Office.

"However, I will be looking in to the case to see if there is anything at all we can do to make the situation a little better."