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A small south Oxfordshire village is preparing to celebrate its survival 60 years after plans to kill it off were put forward.

Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, was nearly absorbed into its neighbouring village Letcombe Regis, under Government policies to fuse smaller communities into larger ones.

And 60 years on, in June, the village will mark the anniversary with a series of celebrations - including a village party.

David Wilde, chairman of the village hall management committee, said: "In June 1948 the Berkshire County Planning Officer advised Wantage Rural District Council to provide for the housing needs of Letcombe Bassett in the neighbouring village of Letcombe Regis.

"Bassett would in effect revert to a little group of farms with associated dwellings for stockmen.

"This would have meant the death of the village as a living community of people and the village rose up in wrath against it with the rallying cry 'Letcombe Bassett is too old to die'."

The plans were abandoned, and the village is now home to 150 people, including local MP Ed Vaizey.

Villagers are being urged to contribute photographs and memories for a display on the village's past.

Contact David Wilde on 01235 767134.

3:49pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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