ON Crabtree Lane, in Sidemoor, the Pleck Stores was a general store and newsagent and a hub of the community until it closed more than a year ago.

The shop had served customers since it opened in 1906 but a combination of factors, including lack of passing trade, contributed to its downfall.

When the store was first established Sidemoor was very much a separate entity from central Bromsgrove and the Pleck, as it was affectionately known, was the centre of the village.

Today the shop is being converted to offices but the plaque bearing its history remains.

As part of a nationwide closure scheme, the Marlbrook Post Office on Birmingham Road, will shut shortly too. Post Offices in Rednal and Longbridge will also close and the effect on the community can only be negative.

The One-Stop chain, which houses the Post Office at Marlbrook, has been taken over by Tesco Express and although a search is being made for alternative premises, none have yet been found.

But what does the future hold for local stores?

Stephen Smith, partner in the Sandra's Supershop on Alcester Road, Lickey End, said: "We took over here four years ago and have tried various things, including a fresh bakery but the sad fact is if it doesn't make money we can't stock it.

"We aren't pleading for people to shop with us. We understand people want to save a bit of money by going to the supermarket but we provide a service the supermarket cannot. For our elderly customers, in particular, we will check on them or drop things off, if they are ill and can't get out.

"This is what our customers will miss if we go out of business."

Owner of Blackwell Post Office Paul Baker said: "We have a board outside our shop saying 'use us or lose us', and that is how it is.

"We provide a major service in Blackwell and although we have been assured our post office is safe for now, we don't know how much longer."

Mr Baker added: "If every person in Blackwell just bought one thing from us each week we would be able to keep going."

So if you appreciate your local store, do as Mr Baker says and use it, because if not the community may lose it.