Susan, Lynda and Jim try to think of ways to block Hazel Woolley’s plans for the village shop. Ruth is angry with David over his reluctance to have Heather at Brookfield.

Radio Times: Susan springs into action, and Ruth is very frustrated.

Characters: David, Jim, Lynda, Rex, Ruth, Susan, Toby

• Toby is making jokes at the expense of Kenton in his cups. Rex admonishes his brother but the goslings don’t seem too alarmed by Toby’s imitation of Kenton’s running man dance moves.
• Susan and Lynda tell Jim that they have had no luck contacting Hazel Woolley about the planning application for the shop. Jim wonders if realistically they have no legal grounds to challenge the intention to build flats on the shop site.
• Toby goes out of his way to catch up with Pip even though Rex points out she is leaving soon for South America. Toby is hoping to use Pip to sell geese to a large restaurant chain, because the Archer name carries weight. Rex is reluctant to use the Archers when they have no right or official connection.
• Ruth and David are dealing with the cows and Ruth points out that David is talking about anything other than Heather.
• Jim and Lynda discuss the joys of speaking Italian but Susan comes back to the meeting with a plan to canvas the shop customers. Jim argues that village shops and pubs are disappearing everywhere and they shouldn’t be too optimistic. Lynda can’t believe the planning commission will grant permission but Susan is pinning her hopes on Peggy’s influence.
• David apologises to Ruth; he really does care. Ruth wants to modify Brookfield for Heather to move in. Why is David being difficult, she wants to know? David tries to express his reluctance. Why does it have to be Pip’s room where Jill is settled in and the boys are already sharing? Ruth argues that they have always tried to do the best for loved ones and Jill has many other places in Ambridge she can go. Ruth is impatient: David has one rule for the Archer family and another one altogether for anyone else.