THE MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale has welcomed the news that the Post Office has extended its contract with DVLA.

The National Federation of Subpostmasters has expressed delight at the news that it will not be losing the vital service used by six million people across the UK every year.

The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron had written to the Chief Executive of the DVLA urging her to scrap plans to remove their services from local post offices, fearing the impact it will particularly on elderly or disabled people who rely on being able to renew their licence or pay road tax in person.

The MP had raised the issue numerous times in Parliament, including earlier this month during a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake.

Meanwhile, at a recent Westmorland and Furness Council meeting, councillors Mark Rudhall and Rupert Audland put forward a successful motion urging the Government to reconsider its decision.

Mr Farron said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the DVLA have finally seen sense and have announced they are not withdrawing these vital services from the Post Office.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who campaigned so hard to get this result.

“This news really is an early Christmas present for so many people, especially those who are elderly or disabled, who simply would not have been able to do essential things like pay their road tax or renew their drivers licence.”