Huntingdonshire post offices were give a new lifeline this week – a broadband payment service that could get more people to use the post office. Designed so everyone can get a high-speed connection to the internet at a fair price, no matter where they liv

Huntingdonshire post offices were give a new lifeline this week - a broadband payment service that could get more people to use the post office.

Designed so everyone can get a high-speed connection to the internet at a fair price, no matter where they live, people can pay for the service at all post offices in the district.

It was launched on Monday at Hemingford Grey Post Office, run in the Church Hall of St James's Church by Hemingford Post Office staff Lionel Wright and Catherine Quinn.

For the first time, customers have the option to pay for the service in cash at any post office, and post office broadband will not cost more because of where people live. The service provides national coverage at a universal price.

According to research by the Post Office, there are more than six million "non-liners" - people who are not on the internet because of confusion about providers.

Post Office managing director Alan Cook said: "Until now, broadband has been perceived as a complicated and costly luxury. With the support of BT, we are now able to offer an easy-to-use and value for money service."

INFORMATION: You can visit www.postoffice.co.uk or call free on 0800 434 6701 or call in at your local post office.

n Lionel Wright and Catherine Quinn are pictured at the launch of broadband payment services at Hemingford Grey Post Office.

Picture: HUNTS POST 0458