“USE it or lose it” is the message being sent to Hoddlesden residents over community services.

East Rural councillor Julie Slater said she wanted to see more villagers using local facilities such as the Post Office, the chip shop, delicatessan and garage.

The East Rural Network – an action group made up of councillors, business people and residents – is looking into the possibility of erecting signs at the entrances to the village to make people more aware of the shops.

Coun Slater said: “If people don’t use these shops, then Hoddlesden will end up like Belthorn, which has no corner shop.

“I want people to try and use these shops at least once a week or spend 50p more when they do, so we don’t lose what is here.

“Times are hard, and it’s a case of use it or lose it.”