Knaphill sub-postmaster urges customers not to boycott local branches

A Surrey sub-postmaster is urging customers not to boycott local branches amid outrage over the Post Office scandal.

Saj Hussain, who runs a branch in Knaphill, says he has has heard reports customers have threatened to find alternative ways of using the service.

He said such actions would hurt the sub-postmasters they were supporting.

The scandal is back in the spotlight following the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office.

More than 900 workers were prosecuted after faulty software made it look like money was missing from their branches.

• Why were hundreds of Post Office workers prosecuted?
• How Post Office drama shone light on scandal

Mr Hussain, a non-executive director for South East England at the National Federation of Sub-postmasters told BBC Radio Surrey he had heard reports from colleagues that some customers had said there was "no point in supporting an institute that is not fair to their staff and workforce".

However, Mr Hussain said: "If you're going to boycott the Post Office you'll be hurting the very sub-postmaster of the local branch.

"I would urge people to please, please carry on using us.

"We need you now more than ever," he added.

Julie Langley, who is a regular user of the local branch in Milford, near Godalming, says it is an "asset to the community" and the scandal does not put her off using the Post Office.

"You have to use it, you have no choice," she said.

"I'm more sympathetic to the [sub-postmaster] because I think they're doing a great job and we should be grateful that they're there."

Christopher Monks, 70, who has used the same branch for 40 years, said the scandal "should never had happened".

A public inquiry began in February 2021, with victims still seeking appropriate redress and accountability.

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