Potten End and Wilstone's post office branches are two of 2,500 to be axed following a nationwide shake-up.

But the cutbacks are also affecting the village shops.

Owner of Wilstone's store Jenni Corsby closed the shop's doors for the final time last week because she is unable to keep the business going without the post office income.

From today (October 1) the shop in Potten End will no longer run a post office service and it is feared the move could also force the shop to close.

But villagers are refusing to give up and are looking at ways to keep services running.

In Potten End Mike Wallis, of Vicarage Road is leading the drive.
He is trying to appeal the Post Office's decision, but also called for the support of the authorities.

"Essex County Council has given funding and re-opened one (post office] . We want both Herts County Council and Dacorum Borough Council to look at what Essex has done and to help to fund a service in Potten End," he said.

Another option is for the parish council to form a community project whereby residents would be able to drop parcels off in a communal area which would be collected by a delivery company.

In response to the appeal for funding leader of the borough council, Andrew Williams, said: "The rural situation is worsening and it's having a damaging effect on village life, but it's more than the borough can financially support."

Speaking on behalf of the county council, Richard Roberts, executive member for corporate strategies and partnerships, said: "The county council is seeking to resume talks with the Post Office as a matter of urgency, to see whether we can make some services available from council buildings."

A team of residents in Wilstone are working to set up an alternative community-run shop facility. It is not yet known whether this will be a fully operational shop or something smaller.

Questionnaires are being sent to homes to discover if residents would support the project and a business plan is being drawn up. The steering group is working with the Village Retail Services Association(ViRSA), which supports rural communities wanting to set up and run their own shops.

Mrs Corsby, who officially closed the shop on Wednesday (September 24) and was given more than 60 cards by shoppers wishing her well, said: "I wish them luck and I will give them as much help as possible."