Fujitsu is a ‘significant local employer’ and a ‘prestigious business’ Bracknell Forest Council has said – as the IT company comes under fire for its role in the Post Office Horizon scandal.

The Bracknell-headquartered firm has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks after the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office shone a spotlight on its involvement in the Horizon scandal. And one Bracknell resident has even launched an online petition calling for it to leave the town over the 'shame'.

But Bracknell Forest Council has said that while it has full sympathy with affected sub-postmasters, it will continue to work with Fujitsu as a firm that ‘contributes to the borough’s wider prosperity'.

Fujitsu has come under scrutiny as it developed the Horizon computer software that wrongly made it appear as if thousands of pounds were going missing from Post Office branches.

READ MORE: Fujitsu under fire in IT scandal

It also gave statements claiming Horizon was accurate in court cases where more than 700 branch managers were convicted of false accounting, theft and fraud based on the faulty data.

Bosses this week faced grillings in front of MPs and at the inquiry into the scandal. Fujitsu’s European director Paul Patterson admitted to parliament’s business select committee that staff at the company had known about problems with the Horizon software while sub-postmasters were being blamed.

And Bracknell resident Mark John this month started an online petition to say he didn’t want the company’s headquarters ‘dragging down our hometown'. It has since been signed by 150 people.

But Bracknell Forest Council says the company is an important employer for the town and the borough.

A draft economic strategy to be considered by council leaders on Tuesday, January 23, welcomes Fujitsu’s presence as a ‘prestigious’ business.

READ MORE: Former Barkham sub-postmaster in ITV show

The plan says: “Syngenta, 3M, Daler Rowney, Fujitsu and Honda are among many prestigious businesses located in Bracknell Forest. Historically, this winning formula has resulted in almost full employment and a buoyant local economy.”

Councillor Paul Bidwell, responsible for business, said the council would continue working with Fujitsu and all local companies ‘for the benefit of local people.’

He told the News: “We fully sympathise with those affected by the Post Office/ Horizon miscarriage of justice. However, the council is not in a position to comment on the ongoing inquiry or any subsequent action.

“Fujitsu is a significant local employer and contributes to the borough’s wider prosperity. The council will continue to work with all its local businesses for the benefit of local people and our economy.”