When illness makes going out impossible

The Government are putting commercials on television advising people to stop using the Post Office and having pensions, benefits etc paid into a bank account.

I myself have always used the latter. I've been a customer of the Bank of Scotland in St Helens for many years. A bank to me that has proved to be one of the best but because they don't have a branch in Newton-le-Willows, I was asked by the Social Worker today to change my bank for one in Newton-le-Willows.

Because I use the method the Government wants me to use, I use my cash card for provisions etc.

The Social Worker informed me that helpers can't either go to the cash machines or use the credit card for fear of fraud.

I have no family, I have no one to get cash for me. If it wasn't for Somerfields here in Newton-le-Willows and the manager Mr Nigel Winterburn and his assistant Karen, who came to my rescue.

They have arranged for my shopping list and card to be picked up and my shopping to be delivered to my home.

I am not a pensioner yet and still have my wits, I suffer from osteoporosis and now recently the fear of going outside of my house.

I dread the thought of this happening to an elderly person living on their own, maybe one not on the telephone as many are not. What nightmare would they be in given a day like I've had today? My pain has doubled today because of the stress. And there are not many Nigels about.

NEWTON-le-Willows Resident (name and address supplied).