VILLAGERS in Stokeinteignhead could soon have their shop and post office back.

The one and only local store, run for many years by the well known Phil Riggs, closed some months ago and has been badly missed. The post office, in the same premises, was also shut as part of a government review.

But now a scheme for residents to take over the old shop and run it themselves as a community cooperative are well advanced.

Grants and loans of nearly £30,000 have been pledged and now, if at least another £5,000 can be raised from locals, it could soon reopen.

D Day will be May 15, when a public meeting is being called at the village hall. All residents are urged to attend and show their support for the project.

They will be urged to become shareholders in the new enterprise by buying shares at £5 each.

Melissa McGladdery, a member of the steering committee set up to mastermind the scheme, appealed to as many people as possible to turn up on the evening.

'I think most people could afford at least one share at only £5.

'As well as the cash commitment, we also need to see if the commitment is still there and ask for volunteers to help run the shop. It is absolutely vital that the village is fully behind this venture to ensure it succeeds.

'The closure of the shop and the post office was a tremendous loss. It was a vital part of the village, along with the church and the pub.

'It also had great social benefits, because it was somewhere where people could meet and chat, especially those who live on their own and might not see many others during the day.

'The shop was the heart of the village and residents could pop in and buy all sorts of things. It is especially missed by the children at the nearby school who loved to go in for their sweets.

'I am very hopeful that we will be able to get the shop up and running again, but we want to make sure by ensuring the local support is still there,' Melissa stressed.

Teign Estuary county councillor David Cox, who has helped to get the project off the ground, has obtained a commitment from the county council to help pay for a post office service in the shop, with the aid of the Shaldon postmaster Glyn Ballman. Negotiations are continuing with the Post Office.

'I am very pleased at the progress so far. It is a testimonial to the tenacity of villagers who want their shop back.

'The crunch time will be the public meeting when it will be the time for people to stand up and be counted and show their commitment,' Cllr Cox added.