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David Ward MP and Bradford East Team (Alan Williams)
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David celebrates “Save Our Cheque” Campaign win

June 15, 2011 12:49 PM

David Ward has welcomed the news that RBS's retail boss has pledged not withdraw cheques for their customers.

Save Our ChequeThe head of RBS's retail operation, Brian Hartzer, has given in to pressure from consumers and the Save Our Cheque Campaign and pledged to continue allowing their customers to use cheques. Speaking to the Observer, Brian said that: "RBS NatWest is not going to get rid of cheques unless there is a viable alternative and unless customers are ready for it".

David launched the Save Our Cheque campaign back in October after the Payments Council - which represents all major high street banks - announced its decision to phase out all cheques by 2018, even though over 4 million cheques are still issued every day.

Commenting, David Ward said:

"I welcome the fact that Brian Hartzer has come on board with our campaign to save the cheque. Hopefully this will prompt a rethink by others in the banking sector who have already decided to consign the check to the dustbin. The real problem is that we are allowing the banks to take this descision when they have such a vested interest in getting rid of cheques.

"Cheque users need to keep up the pressure on the banks to follow RBS's example and reject the Payments Council's absurd timetable for phasing out cheques. The petition to Save Our Cheque is still open and receiving hundreds of signatures every week. I would urge people who are concerned about this descision to visit my website at www.davidward.org.uk and sign the petition"