HEATON Moor Post Office has been run by one family for decades. The business is a pillar of the community in the Stockport suburb, with father Anthony Holbert passing the shop down to his son Jamie.
Like many in their position, despite all their hard work and commitment, they were sucked into a scandal that has shocked the nation following the airing of ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
They have now spoken about how the Horizon Post Office saga put an unthinkable strain on their beloved business - as well as their family.
"Thinking back, when I started working aged 17 and we had all these losses that would have been going on for so long," Jamie, now 37, told the M.E.N. "It must have even crossed my dad's mind that I could have been stealing from him, although never said anything like that.
"It's horrible to think families could be forced to believe that about each other."
Faulty accounting system Horizon, installed by IT giant Fujitsu, led to the conviction of more than 700 Post Office branch managers and sub-postmasters. Some 130 people affected by the scandal have come forward since the drama was aired.
Ministers are under pressure to address the devastating hurt suffered by hundreds of sub-postmasters, as public anger over the stories of scores of dedicated workers saw former Post Office boss Paula Vennells hand back her CBE. Anthony Holbert, 68, first took over at Heaton Moor Post Office in 1994. He ended up losing 'more than £20,000, he says, in more than two decades of running the business. He says he was one of the lucky ones.
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rodri's importance to Blues is laid bare
IF there is an argument for how good a player Rodri is then you need look no further than City right now.
City players walking a fine line over yellow cards
CITY are potentially just two matches away from losing a quartet of players during the hectic festive season.
Home comforts offer long-term hope to Super League Salford
SALFORD Red Devils have finally received the news they were waiting for, with Salford council confirming the acquisition of the club's stadium.
Just the ticket for a festive treat, despite nearly choking on a dry stuffing ball
THEY say the best things in life are worth waiting for.
A cut above the rest
A mobile barber from Bolton has been shortlisted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the country. Jignesh Madhavji, owner of Jiggi mobile barbershop, was shortlisted among 99 other businesses and was celebrated during an event at the House of Lords.
Man sheds NINE STONE after theme park shame
Machine operator has made a big transformation after he used to consume 4,000 calories a day
Last days of Owens Park
FOR many, the tower referred to as Owens Park will have been their first home in Manchester.
Insurance worker in data breach
A CAR insurance worker abused his position to divulge hundreds of customer private details to 'claims farmers! Rizwan Manjra, 44, was employed by Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited (MISL), based in the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre, leading a team that processed accident claims.
Has the crackdown on crime gone too far?
Crime reporter John Scheerhout looks at GMP's recent use of dispersal orders in the region
The fight to bring hero soldier Dan's case before courts
Efforts continue to locate man named as a suspect in the investigation into unlawful killing of paratrooper.
