The very essence of village life is being threatened throughout the length and breadth of this country.

The challenges for the future well-being of rural communities are growing by the day. These range from the livelihood of hill farmers, the lack of public transport, new roads carving through the countryside and the development of housing.

Time cannot stand still and progress has to be made.

But there seems to be a lack of strategic planning and thinking aimed at preserving and combining the old and new lifestyles.

Behind the chocolate box image of many of our villages, which are the envy of city dwelling visitors, a positive revolution is steadily growing.

The residents of Farnhill and Kildwick are a prime example of this mood. They are banding together in an attempt to buy their post office and village shop and run it as a community venture.

There are arguments for and against the move, mixed with warnings that the campaigners could be in for a bumpy ride.

Some village shops are changing with the times, taking credit and debit cards - while down at the post office computer technology is finding its place.

Meanwhile at Eastburn villagers are banding together to fight plans to build homes which would double the size of the village.

Consider the profound comment of Elizabeth Hutchinson. Twenty-five homes are being built around hers. "I don't mind them - that's what I call natural growth". The proposed development at Eastburn is unnatural and must be challenged until all of the cards are on the table. The questions of facilities such as sewage and education must be answered and detailed explanations given before any decisions are made.

The people involved in the village campaigns are not living in the past.

They care for their communities and want to make sure they survive and thrive in the new Millennium.

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