Speechless man is denied pension

A deaf Birmingham man was denied access to his pension for five weeks because he is unable to speak.

Norman Berry, 64, from Stechford, could not claim his pension and disability allowance after losing his Post Office card on holiday.

Post office staff said they needed to speak directly to Mr Berry, despite his disabilities, to issue a new card.

The Post Office said it had since apologised and a new card had now been issued to him.

'Really frustrating'

Various members of Mr Berry's family said they tried to help him get a new card without success, including his sister Jean Spencer.

She said: "We even went into his local Post Office, where they know him, and they telephoned with him there but they would not accept that.

"It's been really frustrating. Luckily he has family and we've kept him going."

A Post Office spokesman said: "We are very pleased to confirm that a new card was issued to Mr Berry last week and we are very sorry for the delay."