A TEIGNMOUTH pensioner has described the impending closure of Teignbridge Council's cash office at Bitton House on April 1 as 'diabolical'.

Many older people like to use the office to pay their council tax, but, with the growth of payment by direct debit, the council has decided that it is too expensive to keep it open beyond March 31.

Other cash offices at Dawlish, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh are also to close.

Residents will be encouraged to pay bills by direct debit or with swipe cards at post offices.

But 83-year-old Joan Deacon, of Gloucester Road, Teignmouth, said that it was yet another example of pensioners being forced to change against their wishes.

'It's all very well for the council to save money, but pensioners are always being asked to bear the brunt of change,' she said. 'The government is taking away our pension books without asking us, and expecting us to open bank accounts.

' I'm very lucky that I don't get stressed by things, but I know many elderly people who do. Indeed, some of us, through no fault of our own, don't even know what day it is!'

Mrs Deacon, who runs an advice column in the newsletter at Age Concern's Alice Cross Centre, said that pensioners often did not understand direct debiting or swipe cards.

'We have so many silly cards these days that can be quite confusing,' she said. 'I'm very outspoken, and don't like to see people put upon.'

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council said that the council appreciated the local concern at the closure of the cash office, but was confident that the changes would improve existing facilities.

Michelle Kenney, media and communications officer, said: 'The cash offices will be replaced with a facility for any Teignbridge resident to make payments at their local post office.

'Following a review of the cash offices and their function, it was concluded that working with post offices would offer a much wider service in an increased number of locations. Post office opening hours are longer and often include weekends.

'Leaflets explaining the changes have been made available at the cash offices concerned since the end of November, and staff there have been providing additional information and advice.'

Anyone interested in taking advantage of the post office scheme can do so if they request a swipe card from Teignbridge Council, either in person or by telephoning 01626 215000.