RESIDENTS of an East Cornwall village are rallying to bring some sort of retail facility back to the village after its only shop closed last month.

A consultation morning is being held in Calstock on Saturday (April 22), following the closure of Levines last month, to discuss possible options for the village.

Many residents are already missing the shop. Alison Knight, who lives in the village, said: ‘A heart beat in the community has gone. It’s not just about shopping. For many in the village, a trip to the shop was a way of keeping in touch.’

A number of people in the village are asking what can be done about the situation.

Resident Alistair Tinto said: ‘For the first time in living memory, Calstock has not got a village shop. Levines closed on March 19 with only a few days’ warning and villagers were left wondering what to do.

‘Whatever happens, lots of us feel that we mustn’t just shrug our shoulders and say “oh dear, what a shame Levines has closed” and do nothing.

‘One idea is to set up a community-run shop, which has happened in many villages. It could sell local produce, have a library, run a tool exchange. It would be an enormous undertaking and would need masses of commitment, but it could be done. Perhaps it doesn’t need to be a shop. Would local suppliers and food hubs come regularly to the village? The pubs, the other shops, the social club, the village hall or Calstock Arts might like to get involved.’

A group of residents have arranged a consultation morning at Calstock Hall on Saturday from 11am to 1pm, where people can give their ideas, have their say, talk to other people about the situation and think about what might be best for Calstock. It will be an informal meeting in the hope people will find it easier to contribute. Everyone is welcome.

For more information email alastair.tinto @virgin.net or call 01822 258143.