A VILLAGE store is pleading with people to help them in order to avoid closure.

Paula Leggett took on The Village Pantry, in Seascale in May, despite closing for a couple of days to get the shop ready she has been open since then - but no reduced hours.

However, now she has been forced to issue a plea to residents asking what they would like to see from the shop in order to feel it afloat and stop it from closing down.

Mrs Leggett explained: "The reason I put the plea out is because we are seeing a constant decline in customers.

"During Covid was a really bad time to take over but we've been trying to keep things going and we've not been entitled to any financial help from the government because of the time we took over.

"This has just make things harder.

"We've had lots of set backs and financially we cannot overcome them without more customers.

"Which is why the only way to get help was to ask the village for help."

Despite being closed for a few days during the change over period, Mrs Leggett has fought hard to keep the shop open during Covid and to provide customers with a vital service.

"We cannot financially keep up the level of customers that we have," added Mrs Leggett.

"Ultimately we'd have to close. That would be the last thing that I'd want to happen.

"We would do everything and we are doing everything in our power to keep the shop open."

But without the continued custom Mrs Leggett cannot guarantee the shop will stay open.

"It does get me down because we took the shop on for the sake of the village to keep it open as a shop," added Mrs Leggett.

"It does get us down that it might not work out.

"But I think we just need to keep trying.

"That shop has been there for decades and it would be a shame if we had to close.

"We are trying to stay a little bit positive and keep a little bit of hope."

So far a few suggestions have been made and the shop are taking these onboard and adapting to customers needs.

For anyone who has suggestions of what The Village Pantry can do to stay afloat they can message them on Facebook, call the shop number or even pop into the store.