'Worrying time' for village post offices over as financial dispute resolved

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/worrying-time ... 46075.html

The future of four post offices on the Isle of Wight has been secured, after a financial dispute centred around the infamous Horizon IT system was resolved.

Alleged financial shortfalls had put Godshill Village Shop Post Office and outreach services in Brading, Totland and Wootton at risk.

As the County Press reported last year, Island Community Ventures - the trading arm of charity Community Action Isle of Wight - that runs the services, was asked to repay sums of over £20,000.

The Post Office was citing discrepancies in the transactions, accounting and stocktaking managed through the Horizon IT system.

At the time, Island Community Ventures said it did not have the money and was happy to share financial records to prove it.

It has now said a resolution has been found with Post Office Ltd, and both organisations have agreed to move forward with a 'clean slate'.

Mike Bulpitt, director of Island Community Ventures and CEO of parent charity Community Action Isle of Wight, said: “This has been a worrying time and I’m very glad that we can now work to maintain these vital community services knowing that Post Office Ltd are supportive of our efforts.”

Island MP Bob Seely said: “I am glad common sense has prevailed. I was happy to support Community Action Isle of Wight in highlighting the issue they were facing and it is in everyone’s interest – not least those who rely on community post offices – that the matter has been positively resolved.”

In well documented media coverage, during a 15-year period, more than 700 sub-postmasters across the country were wrongly prosecuted for theft, fraud and false accounting after incorrect accounting discrepancies were thrown up by the IT system.

The scandal 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.