one of the nice things about living in a small town or village in England is that it is cosy and relaxing. However the forces of economy and revenue tends to be directed where the major populations are in the larger cities and towns. Type in "rural England" into google and you will eventually find a topic on the "rural poor" - the rich can move into the countryside cos they have money, but those who have been there for for life often find it financially more difficult.

this is happening in other parts of the world of course. In Australia for example small town post offices, banks and other utilities have closed down. One innovative way the bank closers were overcome by local people (particularly farmers) was to invite a 'peoples bank' from another state in Australia called the Bendigo bank - the people buy shares in the bank and effectively own it. it is a much more user friendly bank and serves the local people well.

that is just one example but the principle behind it was even more important - the people or at least some of the people mobilised, got of their comfortable backsides and decided that they liked their town and lifestyle so much they were going to do something practical about it. it is the mobilisation and getting together that is crucial. The bank example is just one of thousands of other ideas.

the government of the day won't help you - you have to develop local people power. The rural towns in Australia have realized this and are beginning to fight back - wanna try too?