Four post office services on the Isle of Wight are at risk over concerns about the controversial IT system being used, a charity has warned.
More than 700 sub-postmasters across the country have been wrongly prosecuted for theft, fraud and false accounting after discrepancies were thrown up by Post Office Limited’s Horizon IT system, Community Action Isle of Wight said.
The well-publicised scandal has led to many being left bankrupt and in prison with ruined reputations and years of campaigning that took the toll on them personally and professionally.
Now Island Community Ventures - the trading arm of charity Community Action Isle of Wight - claims it is is facing a similar worry that threatens its services.
The charity took over the rural post office service in Godshill following its near closure in 2011, and also provides outreach services in Brading, Wootton and Totland.
Director of Island Community Ventures and CEO of parent charity Community Action Isle of Wight, Mike Bulpitt said:
“We seem to be in a position where we are at the mercy of a computer system that is simply not working properly. There is strong evidence of its faults historically and even in recent correspondence with Post Office Ltd staff they have confirmed that they can’t understand why certain things are showing or not showing in the system.’
“It is also somewhat ironic that 18 months ago, with the support of our local MP Bob Seely, we raised a number of concerns around post office service delivery on the Island which included being asked to operate with equipment that from our experience didn’t work properly.”
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said:
“This is very concerning news.
"Island Community Ventures has been doing a fantastic job at keeping post office services operating in some of our smaller rural communities. I hope that this issue can be resolved quickly so that they can continue with their good work.”
Mike added:
“We have been clear with Post Office Limited that we do not have their funds and we are perfectly happy to share any financial records they wish to see which will clearly demonstrate this.
“Running post offices in rural areas is a tough ask financially and certainly not a profit making venture, so to now also face this situation is totally disheartening and is creating stress and anxiety for our staff. Hopefully we can reach an agreement with Post Office Ltd on a way forward so that the services can be maintained.”
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