POST Office operators across the South East are being invited to share experiences for an inquiry into the Post Office scandal.

The Horizon IT Inquiry, independently delving into the missteps surrounding the Horizon IT system, which led to incorrect accusations and convictions of sub-postmasters.

Up to 16,000 members from across the UK, including current sub-postmasters and Horizon Shortfall scheme applicants, have been requested to complete a survey by Friday, August 9 at 11.59pm.

As of March 2023, roughly 1,397 post offices were operational in the South East, with most controlled by sub-postmasters.

READ MORE: 'Post Office scandal is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice'

In a recent hearing, Sir Wyn Williams, chair of the Horizon IT Inquiry and Jason Beer KC, lead counsel, urged those contacted to fill in the survey.

The survey is being conducted by YouGov, an independent research and analytics firm.

All eligible participants have been reached via email.

The data collected shall form part of the evidence during the final phase of the inquiry.

SEE MORE: Ordeal of former sub-postmaster accused of stealing £36k to be told in ITV drama

Sir Wyn said: "It is crucial that I get as full a response as possible to these surveys, because we have looked long at the past, but now... I want to know about the present."

Jason Beer KC, lead counsel to the inquiry, said: "I would like to end by encouraging those, everyone who has received a link to the surveys, to complete them. It's vital from the Inquiry's perspective that we enter Phase 7 with as full a body of evidence about the current position as is possible."

During the hearing, Sir Wyn also stressed that the survey is anonymous and independent of the Post Office. He said: "I want to stress that the surveys are not connected to the Post Office. If you find it difficult to speak about challenges which you still face, you people out there whom I am addressing, please be assured that these surveys are for the benefit of the Inquiry."