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 | | Friday, 14 September, 2001, 05:09 GMT 06:09 UK Post office services scheme trial  The new services could be a "lifeline" to rural areas A �30m scheme which will offer new services and information in post offices is being tested in Leicester. The pilot project, called "Your Guide", is described as an important step towards building a modern network of post offices. Information on benefits, jobs, training and grants will be accessed via touch-screen kiosks, freephones and leaflets. The Leicester pilot, launched on Friday by the Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt., will run for six months.
"I am looking forward to hearing what customers across Leicestershire and Rutland think of the new service. "Their views will help us develop a system for the whole of the UK." The chairman of the postal group Consignia, Neville Bain, said: "The success of this project is vital to the future of the network of post offices." 'Rural lifeline' A total of 268 post offices have been equipped with "Your Guide". Customers can access the information in a number of ways including leaflets and computer screens. In some of the larger post offices there will be advice sessions with experts. Richard Wakeford, chief executive of the Countryside Agency, welcomed the scheme. He said: "This will provide a real lifeline to rural communities, especially because of the number of rural post offices seemingly at risk of closure." | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top UK stories now:  Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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