Time running out on free computers

Date published: 11/06/2009

LOW-INCOME families who were given the green light to claim a free net-ready computer but have not yet made the purchase should act fast before the deadline expires.

Households which applied for a Home Access grant — part of a new Government pilot scheme designed to support learning — should now have received a payment card which can be used at one of six approved suppliers to redeem a free computer.

But anyone who has not yet claimed their equipment, must do so before the card expires as the initiative — only on trial in Oldham and Suffolk — closes for new applications on June 30.

Suppliers include Positive IT Solutions (344 Ashton Road, 0161-621 2690), XMA (all O2 stores, 0800-988 4464) RM Education (all Comet stores, 08450-700 300), Centerprise International (0845 602 1782), Misco (0800 035 2100), and Stone Group Plc (0845 308 8331 or in local Orange stores).

Deputy council leader Jackie Stanton said: “Oldham Council wants to make sure that as many people as possible can benefit from the pilot scheme, and are aware of the expiry date of their card.”

::If you are a low-income family with children living at home aged 7-18 and get certain benefits you could get a grant to cover the cost. Call 0161-770 7770 for more information.