A WEST Somerset village shop will be saved from closure after more than 50 residents stepped forward to help run the business when the owners retire later this year.

It follows an open meeting called by parish councillors in Stogumber where more than 100 villagers attended to listen to any ideas to avoid losing the shop and Post Office.

Parish council chairman Cllr Mostyn Symes said: “The village hall was packed.

“The council facilitated the meeting and we were heartened to see over 100 residents attend, such was the interest in the shop’s future.”

Now, a three-step project is being developed for the community to take over the Central Stores and Post Office business when Anne and Roger Howe retire at the end of March.

The plan was put to the public meeting by villager Lance Moir after representatives of Roadwater Community Shop explained how a similar scheme had worked for their village in 2018.

Cllr Symes said: “The three-phase plan to keep a shop within the village was met with much approval.

“The enthusiasm from the audience bodes well for the future viability of a shop within the village and we are very fortunate to have so many people willing to offer their expertise and help.”

Mr Moir said he had drawn on a 35-year career as a financial director for a number of large companies to write a business plan for the venture.

Phase one of the plan was for the village to learn how to run a shop, the second stage was to decide if the shop should stay in its grade two listed High Street premises or relocate to another building, and to do any necessary work for it to happen.

For the third and final phase, Mr Moir said: “We get on and run the shop.”

Mr Moir said a co-ordination group to manage volunteers was already at work matching people’s skills to the different roles which were needed.

An agreement had been reached with Mr and Mrs Howe for the group to run the shop in its existing premises from April 1, and if it was found the business needed to relocate, then a fund-raising appeal would start.

“Already, we have had a lot of offers come in from villagers to provide money,” he said. “Knowing the village, I am not surprised at the amount of help we have been offered but it is still nice to see the range of people who are coming forward.

“We have an architect, a planner, and someone with previous experience of running a village business, and lots more.

“We are working on using people in a way which is best for them.”

Mr Moir said an application had been made to the Post Office for the group to take over the postal side the shop’s business.

However, the process could take several months and it was possible the village would have to go without a Post Office for a time.

Mr Moir is also treasurer of Somerset Opera, for which he sings as a tenor, and the Royal Bath and West of England Society, and is a non-executive director of Thatchers Cider Co Ltd.