ROADWATER residents are rallying round to ensure the long term future of their much needed village shop and post office.

The business is currently up for sale but for personal reasons the owners have announced that, if a buyer is not found by the end of June, they will have to shut it.

But the community is determined to keep the facility open and continue providing a service that is vital not only to Roadwater but also neighbouring Luxborough, Treborough, Leighland and the surrounding area.

And on Monday at least 100 people turned out to a meeting in the village to try to thrash out a contingency plan.

Spokesman Mary Coles said it was very clear that the community wanted the well-used shop to remain a thriving business.

"We were really pleased with the support demonstrated and we have had a total of 39 firm offers of help and expertise covering everything from finance to marketing," she said.

"We've also had pledges from people to spend a minimum amount of money in the shop each week."

Villagers are hoping to secure a short-term lease of the shop, which currently opens seven days a week and offers post office services on five and a half days.

"Ideally, we want to see someone buy it before the end of June but if that doesn't happen we want to have a plan in place to keep it going until a buyer is found," said Mrs Coles.

"That can only benefit everyone – the shop and the local people who want to keep using it."

The community initiative would see the business run by volunteers, although someone would have to be vetted and trained to deliver the post office services.

Mrs Coles said more than 100 people – those at the meeting as well as some unable to attend but willing to back the venture – had given their names in support.

A six-strong committee has been set up and will be meeting shortly to work out the details of what action needs to be taken.

"They will have to meet very quickly because time is short," said Mrs Coles.

"But the owners of the shop are happy that the community is doing all it can to keep the business going.

"We are really encouraged by the positive response from so many in the community and by the number of people who came to the meeting.

"We just feel we have to have a back-up plan if the shop isn't sold by the end of June.

"It's so important to the village and serves quite a large area – we're very lucky to have it and all we are trying to do is make sure we don't lose it."

Community leaders are keen to hear from anyone who can offer help or advice and Mrs Coles can be contacted on 01984 640976.