VOLUNTEERS at a village post office and stores fear it could be forced to close unless they are joined by someone with a head for figures.

The facility in Oake is run by a community benefit society composed of villagers who give their services for free, but they are in desperate need of a treasurer to ensure it stays open.

If someone comes forward, they will play an important role in the post office move from its current home in a bungalow on Saxon Close to new premises, potentially at the village hall.

Shop volunteer Diane Charlton, secretary of the community benefit society, said the post office and shop is "very modest" and pumps any money it makes back into the venture.

"It's very useful in the village for elderly folk who can't walk far and people on their own, while it's opposite the school and near the golf club," added Mrs Charlton.

"We've recently been granted a Post Office contract to carry on and we've got plans to move up the road to new premises, which are a bit bigger and would enable us to offer other things to draw people in.

"The people in the shop are all volunteers except the postmistress.

"It's a real community effort. We're very proud of it, but we don't have a treasurer and can't continue without one. We'd have to close if we can't find anyone."

Somerset County Gazette:

The vacancy has arisen following the resignation of the previous postholder.

The role would involve advising the committee "how and when to spend" and producing a monthly report.

Mrs Charlton said: "We've looked at a number of sites to move to, and once we have a treasurer in place we can look at that plan.

"The shop and post office has been run for the benefit of the local community for the last five years by loyal volunteers, who managed to keep the shop open during the recent snow for regular customers from the village.

"However, we urgently need someone to fill the financial role on the committee immediately."

Any offers of help should be made to management committee chairman Alex Antill on 01823-336661 or e-mail Emmets@outlook.com