HUNDREDS of Forest residents are suffering as the number of outlets offering 'smart card' top up payments for electricity dry up.

The Review has been trying to identify places where the facility is still operative, and has so far found that Central Stores, Bream, is one of the few planning to keep it going after sweeping changes by the managing company come into force on January 31.

The Alphyra PAYzone service is a boon to people living on small incomes because it allows irregular payments at irregular intervals to help stretch a tight budget.

Mark Slack of Central Stores, Bream, told the Review that although he would keep the service going for his customers changes by Alphyra meant retailers would be operating at a loss.

"When the service was first introduced by the then Midland Electricity Board (MEB) they installed dedicated phone lines for the swipe charge machine, which remits the amount paid and recharges the card, which the customer then 'swipes' in their meter," he said.

"Now Alphyra is asking all its outlets to take responsibility for the line rental and on top of that it is reducing the commission paid to the retailer to half a percent.

"When you put that against the bank charges of one percent for the transactions it means a loss of half a percent.

"Alphyra argues that the system means we bring in extra customers but the case is most come to make payments with the last few pounds they have available and don't buy anything else. However, we plan to keep going as a service to our customers."

Other stores, including Harrison Way Stores in Lydney, say they have to consider pulling out on January 31.

Lydney branch of the Labour Party has raised the issue with Forest MP Diana Organ whose office says she is now looking into the matter, particularly as it affects elderly and vulnerable people.

"Although the individual amounts are small, even 100 customers at a 1p loss a week meant £52 a year, which many small businesses cannot and should not have to stand," said Lydney Labour Party branch secretary Bert Stapleton.

The Review has contacted Alphyra for comment but there was no reply at the time of going to press.

•If you know stores where the swipe cards are still being serviced please let us know on Dean 841113.