TEIGNMOUTH pensioners are pledging to add their weight to a national Save the Pension Book campaign that swung into action on Monday.

The government has decided to phase out pension books within the next two years and, instead, make payments direct to bank and other personal accounts.

Campaigners claim that those behind the changes have failed to consult pensioners and that many will have difficulty in collecting their payments.

Several members of the Devon Pensioners' Action Forum have voiced their support for retention of the pension book.

At Age Concern's Alice Cross Centre in Teignmouth several pensioners spoke out against the proposed changes.

'Many elderly people like going to the post office to draw out their money,' said Joan Deacon.

'They have a chat, and then perhaps go for a coffee or a light lunch somewhere. I really feel that we are being harassed, and being forced to change against our will. But why should we?'

Brian White said that he did not want to 'go digital', and that he wanted to keep his pension book.

Although he had a bank account and a savings account, he preferred to visit the post office each week.

'I want to get my cash over the counter, not via a PIN number,' said Mr White. 'It's going to do post office staff out of their jobs, and I'm used to having people in work. I don't believe in getting rid of them.'

Ron Rodwell said that he liked to collect he and his wife's pension each week.

'I walk my dog out every morning past the post office, and I believe in supporting it,' he said. 'It really suits me, and the owner is so obliging and you meet people as well.'

Centre manager Denis Hutchins added that it was a question of understanding modern methods, and in 10 years' time nobody would bat an eyelid at pensions being paid direct into bank accounts.

'But many of the current generation of pensioners are not used to computers and telephone banking, and they are suspicious,' he said. 'We've got representatives from the Pension Service here on February 9 and March 8, between 10am and 12 noon both days, to help answer concerns.'

The Save the Pension Book campaign – which urges pensioners not to sign up to the new arrangements – is being organised by the National Pensioners' Convention, whose president, Rodney Bickerstaffe, said: 'We must make the government think again on this issue.'

As the campaign develops, pensioners are expected to organise street protests, although as yet no details have been released.