15997VILLAGE shopkeeper Richard Butt has vowed to keep his business going despite suffering a 20 per cent drop in trade this year.

Mr Butt, who is a partner and sub-postmaster at Hillworth Stores in Melbourne Road, Bratton, says bad weather and declining tourism have taken their toll.

Average weekly takings this year have dropped to between £8,000 and £8,500, compared with £9,500 to £10,000 in 2003.

Mr Butt, who runs the shop with his wife Tracy, is determined to press ahead with plans to develop what he feels is a vital village resource.

He said: "We've got an interest in running the shop, but it's not for profit. I grew up here and still live in the village. It wouldn't be the same without a shop it's the heart of the community.

"We are making a living, but we want to be doing more than that. We can't really blame locals, it's just passing trade that's down. People have got used to going to the supermarket."

Planned improvements include a new serving counter and two upright freezers.

The neighbouring village of Edington has already lost its shop and Mr Butt said the store in Erlestoke was also experiencing problems.

On Tuesday Camelot withdrew its Lottery scratch card service, suggesting punters should now use The Ham Post Office four miles away in Westbury.

Mr Butt said much of the Bratton store's traditional trade came from tourism, which is suffering, while the 'pulling power' of Westbury was also affecting trade.

He said: "I don't think so many people are coming up to visit the White Horse.

"We could move to a bigger place in Edington, but people wouldn't drive that way as Westbury is in the other direction.

"People have to remember that it's the elderly people who want the village store.

"When they are old themselves they will wonder where it is."