Carhampton could have a part-time post office to replace the one in the village stores that closed last year.

That was the announcement this week from Lucy Parker, chair of Carhampton Recreation Centre.

She told the Free Press: “We are happy for one of our rooms to be used a couple of times a week for several hours. In March, following concerns expressed to Carhampton Parish Council by residents about the loss of our Post Office for health reasons, a survey went out to every resident.

“The results of this showed there was a definite wish to have post office facilities back in the village.”

Following this, a public meeting in Carhampton in April was addressed by the managers of both Watchet Post Office and Alcombe News Post Office, Mr and Mrs Mark Richards-Littlefield.

They confirmed to the West Somerset Free Press this week: “We can see no reason why we could not manage a part-time post office at Carhampton as well as the post offices  we already manage.”

Mrs Parker added that the next stage was for The Post Office Limited to take the idea forward.

“It is now in their court. But we have been warned the process is a slow one, and could take several months,” she said.

In the meantime, The Recreation Centre Committee is organising events such as coffee mornings and book sales to stimulate interest in activities at the centre.

“Everyone I have spoken to about this revival is looking forward to it becoming a reality.

After all, the Recreation Centre is the ideal central location for this usage with its ample parking and other community events going on there at the same time,” Mrs Parker added.