THE owner of the last shop in a Worcester village says he is saddened he has not been able to find anyone to take it over when he retires this May.

But with time running out villagers are still hoping of finding a new owner for Broadheath Stores.

Colin Barrett moved to Broadheath and has owned the convenience shop on Martley Road, in Lower Broadheath, since 1999.

Mr Barrett, 65, said it will be sad to close the shop on Sunday, May 28, thanking his local customers for their support and allowing him to become part of the village community.

"It is sad after 18 years with this shop," Mr Barrett said.

"I am looking forward to retirement but ideally, I would have preferred someone to take it over.

"It has been on the market for seven years.

"We have had potential buyers, but the banks would not lend them the money.

"Many independent village stores are closing, there are so many reasons.

"Everybody is being squeezed, including my suppliers. There is increased redtape, people's shopping habits have changed to online shopping, and you are competing with the supermarket giants.

"It makes it unviable for someone coming in."

The shop's closure will also lead to the closure of the post office counter in the shop, with villagers now faced with having to use the nearest post offices in St John's, the Moseley Turn in Hallow, or in Worcester city centre.

A Post Office spokesman said they had been made aware of the retirement, and that the business was on the market.

"We would like to reassure customers that the Post Office is committed to maintaining a Post Office service in the area and will work hard to ensure this,” the spokesman added.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin recently met with Post Office management, and is helping promote the search for a new owner.

Mrs Baldwin said: “The Lower Broadheath Post Office has always been a valuable local resource and has a large regular customer base.

“I was disappointed to hear that the shop has been put on the market and it is time to spread the word to try and find someone who is willing to take over.

“I have discussed alternative solutions with the Post Office and I am assured that it will do its best to protect local postal services.

“Now is the time for villagers to work together to try and protect this important community service.”

Barbara Beard, chairman of Lower Broadheath parish council, said: "As a parish council we looked into the possibility of taking it over, but very regretfully this wasn't feasible.

"We would be very supportive of someone who could take it over."

Mark Glossop, chairman of the Save group who campaigned against proposals for a large number of homes to be built in the area, said its members were backing the push to find a new owner.

"It is part of the hub of the community," Mr Glossop said.

"It will be a great shame if it goes, but time is running out.

"Once it is gone it will be difficult for it to come back."