A village society has been resurrected as part of the fight to save Harden Post Office.

More than 90 people attended a public meeting and several volunteers came forward to reform the society.

It is hoped the body, which became defunct when a parish council was launched about five years ago, could access funding, if necessary, to keep the post office open short-term.

“It was a very positive meeting and it is clear that there is a genuine need and desire to retain our post office,” said Mike Andrews, chairman of Harden Parish Council, which organised the meeting in the village’s Memorial Hall.

The post office is within a newsagents shop, which has now stopped trading, at Land End.

Three Post Office representatives were present at the meeting and the company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a service in Harden.

“Currently, a temporary person is running it,” said Coun Andrews.

“The Post Office is looking at providing him with some help in the meantime and says it has someone who is interested in taking on the franchise.

“If all else fails, the pharmacy has offered to have a post office in its premises, but only if all other options are dead.”