The Midgley Community Forum is hoping to construct a community room, shop and post office on land adjacent to Pleasant View.

The £100,000 expansion comes following the loss of their present location at Great House Barn, Towngate.

A decision on the proposal is expected from Calderdale Council Planning Committee before June 13.

Eight post offices in Calderdale were set to close in the latest round of cuts, as part of the Network Change programme announced last year, but 11 have been chosen including Midgley Post Office

Others could be designated outreach offices, giving a reduced service sometimes from a mobile office.

Following the announcement – the first in a renewed wave of closure plans – residents, councils and businesses will have six weeks in which to object.

Local Calderdale councillor, Christine Bampton-Smith, said: "The community in Midgley put in a tremendous effort to open a post office in the village and it would be a great shame for that effort to be undermined.

"I am totally opposed to its closure and am more than willing to support and help the community there in a campaign to keep this important aspect of village life alive."

Alistair Grant, forum chairman, said: "We will be making a presentation about the Midgley closure in the hope that it can remain open.

"However business from the shop and community room alone make this a sustainable and viable development."

Mr Grant did however express his wish to keep the postal facility open.

He said: "We would very much like the facility to remain open as it's a valuable service for the community."

The new development is expected to cost more than £100,000 but Mr Grant said there were no final designs or costs as yet.

"We hope to be up and running in the new premises by the end of the year," he said.

The original post office closed in 2001 when its owner, Rosemary Earle, said it was no longer viable.

The community joined forces to set up the forum, which provides local services and social events.

The current shop was established in 2003 with the help of a £45,000 grant from the Countryside Agency and Post Office.

It is run by a management committee plus 35 volunteers.

Mr Grant says it has many benefits.

"Over the past five years the shop has provided many benefits to the people of Midgley, both social end environmental.

"It serves as a focal point in the village, aiding communication and reducing the sense of isolation.

"It has also provided a way for people to take a stake in their community and feel part of something."

The forum has spent 18 months looking for a suitable site.

Midgley School, existing buildings and green belt areas were considered but planning officers recommended Pleasant View.

Pennine Housing currently own the land and have indicated they are willing to sell or lease the site, accessed by Towngate.

Funding for the new facilities will be sought from grants and fund raising events.