VILLAGERS in the Ribble Valley are considering ways to bring back their local Post Office after it closed last year.

More than 40 Downham residents attended a recent public meeting to discuss the future of the Twiston Lane business after it shut its doors shortly before Christmas.

Residents in the village, which is owned by the Assheton family, put forward ideas including running a community post office from somebody’s front room or taking over the old business as a village.

The possibility of asking the Post Office to set up an outpost in the village once a week selling stamps and insurance were also discussed.

No final decision was reached at the meeting in the village hall and a further meeting is being talked about.

Ribble Valley Borough councillor Gary Scott, who chaired the meeting, said: “It was very well attended and it was very positive.

“You got the impression that the residents were very keen to get the service back into the village instead of having to travel to Chatburn every time they want to go to the Post Office.

“There has been a Post Office in Downham for as long as I can remember and it has always been a vital community asset.

“It was also a village shop and a little cafe which were nice things to have in the village.

“No firm decision was made but I hope that the service will return to Downham sooner rather than later.

“There were a lot of positive comments made at the meeting and it seems like the village is very motivated to get something organised.

“It would be a shame if nothing came of the meeting and there is no guarantee another one will be held.”