A VILLAGE newsletter which has been spreading the word for more than 80 years is in danger of closing down unless a new editor steps in.

Kay Long, who has been editor of the Tower And Tap in South Marston for about seven years, is resigning from the volunteer role.

The newsletter is delivered to about 350 homes across the village for 10 months of the year.

“I’m glad I did it because I got to know a lot of people through it. We had been living in South Marston a few years when I took it on but I know so many more people now,” she said.

“The time it takes varies, it’s usually a total of about two days over a month.

“People with a full-time job could do it. The main thing is to get people to send word documents and then the editor puts it into the final product.”

The Tower And Tap was established in the 1930s as a letter from the parish vicar and has been informing and connecting residents ever since.

The newsletter will be produced by parish councillor Hannah Jones next month but a volunteer is needed before new year.

Coun Jones said: “The Tower And Tap is so important to us. “It is a voice for all the community groups from youth clubs to the gardening club and the church.

“We have volunteers who deliver it and compile it. “Everybody has their role. Without an editor to co-ordinate news this channel of communication will be sadly lacking.

“Kay has not missed a single edition in eight years ago but sadly, due to personal reasons, is unable to continue.”

Anyone interested in taking up the role should phone Gemma Cheal on 01793 820529 or email clerksmpc@aol.com.

Parish council chairman, Stuart Young, said: “It is essential we keep it going, it is our prime method of communication."