Villagers are hoping they can keep their shop from closing down next weekend with long-term plans to form a cooperative.

Residents have been working together over the past few weeks ever since owner Vincent Kilkenny put up a notice to say The Shop on the Green at Bletchingdon, near Bicester, would close on March 18.

They have held meetings in The Black's Head pub, just a few yards across the village green from the shop, and have several options to make sure the service remains.

A group of three residents, Claire Gibson, Janet Hargreaves and Kate Byrne, have been in talks with Mr Kilkenny's representatives and a friend has even called on him in Milton Keynes General Hospital where he has been recovering after breaking his leg when he fell off his horse while out with the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase. Businessman Mr Kilkenny lives in Manor House, Bletchingdon.

Vikki Robins, a spokesman for the villagers, said: "We are hoping Mr Kilkenny will give us a stay of execution so the shop remains open instead of closing on Friday. We have had such strong support from residents that even if it closes there is a plan to lease the ground-floor shop, which is part of a larger property, or even to buy the whole property."

But in case the shop does close, even if temporarily, villagers have volunteered to help the elderly and single parents with their shopping.

A leaflet is being circulated round the village asking people if they want assistance.

Mrs Robins said: "We have at least 30 people who will go round to those who need it and do their shopping in others villages with shops or supermarkets to ensure those who cannot get out easily can still have their essential supplies. In the long term a kind of co-operative might take over the shop to run it for the comm- unity."