Villagers who say ‘the heartbeat in the community has gone’ following the closure of their village store are holding a meeting to discuss setting up a community shop.

For the first time in living memory, Calstock has not got a village shop after Levines closed in March with only a few days’ warning.

Alison Knight, who lives in the village, said: ‘A heartbeat in the community has gone.

‘For many in the village a trip to the shop was a way of keeping in touch.’

Alastair Tinto, another Calstock resident, said: ‘Whatever happens, lots of us feel that we mustn’t just shrug our shoulders and say “Oh dear! What a shame!” and do nothing.’

Now a group of residents have arranged an informal consultation morning in Calstock Hall from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, April 22, where people can share ideas.