TWO SUB-Postmasters are joining thousands of colleagues from across the country to try to stop the government abolishing the post office card account.

Dave Milner from Grimethorpe and Brierley Road branches and Keith Roddam at Royston Wells will be in the capital along with 16 other subpostmasters and partners from Barnsley on Wednesday.

The card account is used to pay out pensions and other state benefits and accounts for about 70 per cent in each of their businesses.

If it is removed and no alternative is provided both postmasters say they would be put out of business. Dave, treasurer and vice chair of National Federation of Sub Postmasters, said: “We knew when it was developed the card account had a life span but we assumed there would be a replacement that would enhance it.

“We mounted a campaign and have had massive support from the public. The card account is actually 30 per cent of my business but customers with card accounts also pay electric and gas and there are the other things they come in for so the other work would be about 70 per cent.

“If they remove the card customers would move away and this would be the final nail in the coffin. We would not be viable and would have to close. That is the message we are going to be giving MPs on the day."