CAMPAIGNERS led by a 93-year-old woman are calling on a government planning inspector to save a community facility in the New Forest.

Waterford Stores and Post Office in Westfield Road, Lymington, is under threat from controversial plans to convert the corner property into a house.

The New Forest Council failed to determine an application submitted by the store's owner, Tim Baker.

Now Mr Baker has lodged an appeal with the government's planning inspectorate, which will decide if the proposal should be approved or rejected.

Pensioners say the closure of the business would result in them having to use an alternative post office at the top of a hill.

One of the most outspoken campaigners is Margaret Goffart, 93, of Queen Katherine Road, Lymington.

She said: "A lot of elderly people use Waterford Stores every day, and yet we could be about to lose something that has been so important to so many residents."

A council spokesman said: "If the application had been determined it would have been refused.

"It would amount to an over-intensive use of the site - resulting in a cramped lay-out - and inadequate amenity space would create a poor living environment.

"The scheme would also be out of character and harmful to the amenities of the area."

However, a document submitted by Mr Baker in support of his appeal says there are no planning reasons why permission should not be granted.

The document says: "A large number of objections to the application were received, most of which expressed concern at the loss of the shop, which is also a post office.

"But there are no policy objections to the closure of the shop."

Staff at Waterford Stores have defended the proposed closure, even though they will lose their jobs if the application is given the go-ahead.

In a letter to local media last year they said takings had dropped because customers were getting older and buying less.