VILLAGERS who lose their post office next weekend hope to win permission to extend their community hall to provide a self-contained shop and post office.
The parish council at Newsham, near Richmond, has submitted a planning application to Richmondshire District Council and is exploring funding possibilities.
The village shop closed two years ago and a service run from a resident's living room ceased when she needed the space to accommodate her growing family.
When plans to close the post office on December 3 were announced, some residents were interested in starting a shop but suitable premises could not be found. The extension of the village hall for a shop was suggested and won the support of the parish council.
Members felt that, with no pub, church or school, the village shop was the centre of the community.
The post office would also serve the villages of Barningham, Dalton, Gayles, Kirby Hill, Whashton and Ravensworth.
If the district council approves the plans, a meeting will be held to discuss possible sources of funding.
The parish council met the Post Office regulator on Tuesday to outline the proposals.
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