A MOVE to save Carhampton's shop and post office from closure by turning it into a community-run business has received initial backing from villagers.

A meeting last Thursday in the village pub, the Butcher's Arms, to gauge support for the scheme, attracted more than 60 people.

Local driving instructor Cliff Barber, one of the people behind the possible venture, said the volume of people who turned up had given organisers the green light to carry on.

"I was expecting about half a dozen people at the meeting but to get more than 60 was just fantastic," he said.

"There is a real groundswell of support for this - it's marvellous."

An 11-strong steering committee has been set up, which is looking at successful community enterprises in Wootton Courtenay, Crowcombe and Bicknoller.

Mr Barber said it was estimated that around £30,000 would be needed to buy the lease on the existing shop and post office and stock it.

"We are looking at possibly selling shares in the venture to raise the cash, which shouldn't be too difficult in a village of between 400 and 500 people.

"We would obviously have to pay rent and we would need volunteers.

"This is only the beginning but we definitely feel we have taken the first step in keeping the shop and post office open."

Dave Green, who currently runs the store, is looking to retire and Mr Barber said he had been trying to sell the business for the last couple of years.