IT IS hoped people power can save Broadhempston's village shop and post office.

A public meeting was packed to hear details of the possible closure, which could go ahead unless someone buys it by the end of the year.

All 250 families in the parish had been sent a questionnaire asking what support they would give if a plan to run the business as a community project proves feasible.

The result was encouraging but not conclusive and much will depend on a business plan to be drawn up by campaign leaders.

The meeting was given optimistic news by David Fisher from the Village Retail Services Association, a charitable organisation which has helped many other villages start up community shops and can advise on what grants are available.

"You have a golden opportunity to do something similar," he said. "Your shop has a very good reputation with splendid premises."

But not enough regular customers, which is why former postman Vaughan Sercombe and his wife Maggie have decided to sell after running it for three years.

Ironically their post office not only survived the recent cuts but is due to be refurbished, with extra facilities, early next year.

Vaughan told the meeting that only about a quarter of the villagers use the shop regularly. If every family spent just £5 a week there, he said, the business would be viable.

Local business consultant Srimati Edgecombe outlined the results of the questionnaire which showed that 22 people had expressed willingness to help run the shop.

More than 50 said they would buy shares in a community business and eight had offered to loan money.

Many of the questionnaires have not yet been returned and villagers were urged to take them into the shop so a clearer picture of possible support can emerge.

Some blunt questions were asked about whether a community project could raise the £395,000 purchase price and it was agreed to investigate the possibility of a leasing arrangement.

Postmaster Vaughan has said he is willing to stay on in that capacity — but working as an employee.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note with two people offering to help the campaign committee draw up their plans — one is a lawyer, the other an accountant.