As pensioners, we are always advised not to keep valuables at home unless we have a safe. If not, the alternative is to lease a deposit box from a bank which I have personally done at BOV for the last few years for a fee of €35 per annum.

My bank has now informed me that from this month, the fee is to increase nearly four times as much and I will now have to pay €120 per annum.

I cannot understand how a pensioner with a basic annual income can afford this absurd subscription of €10 per month.

Many will have to refrain from having a deposit box at the bank, thus making them feel insecure and worried that one could be burgled in their own home.

I implore the BOV decision makers to reconsider this increase in subscription and keep in mind the elderly people who make use of such a service.