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Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
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David Ward MP <>
David Ward takes cheques fight to Downing Street
March 18, 2011 10:07 AM
Bradford MP, David Ward, has presented a petition of over 5000 signatures to Prime Minister, urging the Government to act to prevent the banks from scrapping cheques. 
The Payments Council, representing all major high street banks, has set a target date of October 2018 for the closure of central cheque clearing.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"I am delighted that so many people have got behind the campaign to save cheques. Thousands of people have signed our petition to send a strong message that while scrapping cheques may suit the banks, it is going to have a very negative impact on many vulnerable people, business and charities.
"I have been inundated by messages of support from across the country. Small businesses will be particularly hard hit as many use cheques extensively and say that there are currently no suitable alternatives available.
"I have received many appeals from small clubs and charities who receive an overwhelming proportion of their subscriptions and donations in cheques. Most of these groups don't have the resources to cater for alternative methods of payment.
"I have also had a lot of touching letters from elderly and disabled people who rely on cheques. Many don't feel safe keeping large volumes of cash in their houses and have difficulty making online payments.
"The campaign to save cheques doesn't end here. Our petition is still open and we are collecting hundreds of signatures every week. My Cheques Bill will be debated in Parliament in June and in the meantime people should keep writing to their MPs to urge them to join the campaign."