VILLAGERS in Alfrick, near Worcester, are hoping to open a community shop in September to replace the existing shop and post office which is closing down.

Alfrick and Lulsley Parish Council set up a committee of councillors and residents earlier in the year to look at how to respond to the closure.

At the council’s annual meeting this week, members were told that the committee had targeted the beginning of September to get the venture up and running.

A questionnaire, which needs to be completed by Wednesday, has also been sent to every house in the village in a bid to establish how much support, both physically and financially, there would be for the initiative.

It can also be filled in on the parish website at alfrickandlulsley.org

The council has joined the Rural Shops Alliance and also has the backing of the Plunkett Foundation, which supports social enterprise in rural communities.

The existing shop and post office has been up for sale for two years but owners Sandie and Joe Clarke have not been able to find any buyers ready to take it on as a going concern.

Google Street View image of Alfrick post office and shop: