istop host testimonials
Broom Mini Market, Ferryhill, Co Durham
The istop kiosk was installed approximately one year ago. Janet Herron the owner of the premises feels that the kiosk has been a benefit to her business.
She says, “It has increased footfall and the “locals” that did not use the shop, have started to visit to use the Jobcentre Plus facility”. Over the last few months, due to the economic situation, Janet has noticed many more customers coming in to use the istop kiosk, which has resulted in people finding employment.
Situated in the area is a council-run juvenile centre and youngsters from the age of 16 to 18 years old have started to look for work through the kiosk. Janet has also earned additional income from the Dawn shopping service.
Linton Colliery Post Office and store, Northumberland
Linton Colliery is a small close-knit community that was very hard hit by the mining closures. There are no local large-scale employers and very little public transport to get people in the village to the nearest town and Jobcentre.
Janet Robson the Manageress of the Post Office says, “The kiosk has been extremely beneficial to the community. Several people have found employment on the istop”.
The Dawn shopping facility has also proved very successful, as local people on low income have taken full advantage of some of the excellent “buys” to be found on Dawn.
Janet has actively promoted the kiosk in the community through leaflet drops and poster campaigns. She says, “It is an excellent channel to help the local residents and they look forward to seeing the kiosk provide information on local council services, housing, social issues and education.”
Pegswood Post Office and store, Morpeth
Julie Bray runs the local Post Office. Pegswood is an ex- mining community with a broad age spectrum including young families through to retired people.
Housing in the area is mainly provided by the Local Authority. Many families are on income support and low wages.
The kiosk is heavily used by people in the village wanting to find employment as public transport is sparse and expensive to the nearest town. Currently we are aware of two residents who have found employment via the kiosk.
Due to local electrical and engineering works, the kiosk in the Post Office was inactive for a 12-hour period. As a result staff became more aware of just how many people visited the store to use the istop kiosk.
Julie says, “Local people see the istop kiosk as an invaluable part of the Post Office.”
