Fury as Post Office 'Saviour' scrapped

Plans to extend the Your Guide project across the country after trials in Leicestershire have been dropped by ministers.

Trade and Industry Minister Stephen Timms last night unveiled proposals to “re-invent” the urban post office network with a £210 million package – including the axing of Your Guide.

Mr Timms said the project, which allowed post office users to link up with other Government departments and facilities using the Internet, had had limited impact.

The £30 million Your Guide system was installed in 268 branches across the county in September 2001.

Many post offices were under threat of closure after the Government decided to switch benefits payments from post offices to banks. The computer system was designed to attract customers by offering information, ranging from local entertainment to benefits advice, at the touch of a button.

The six-month trial ended in March but Post Office bosses were confident ministers would give their approval to roll out the scheme nationally. Figures showed the system was used 459,000 times and the free phone line 14,000 times between September and January.

Syston postmaster John Peberdy, chairman of the Leicestershire branch of National Confederation of Sub-postmasters, said: “It is a particularly hard blow for Leicestershire and Rutland postmasters who willingly put a lot time and hard work into the Your Guide pilot only for it to be cast aside.

“Many post offices will be mightily annoyed.”