When Claire Eacott, 24, was given a council home in the small Wiltshire village of Potterne, she thought it was the perfect place to raise her son, Lewis.

But she claims a lack of transport, child care and job opportunities has left her isolated.

She thinks her new environment has deprived her of any independence.

She said: "It can be quite lonely sometimes because when I'm walking around, I don't really know anyone.

"It would be nice to bump into a friend and say 'Hi, how are you?'

"But I wouldn't often see anyone I know that well."

Isolation

Claire's mobility is further reduced by a spinal injury from a car crash, which means she walks with the aid of a stick.

She was hoping to work in the village pub, five minutes walk away, but that closed.

Campaigners are trying to highlight the plight of women such as Claire who feel isolated in the countryside.

Bus services are inadequate

Other residents say there is plenty to do.

Pensioner Olive Jones said: "There's a Women's Institute, a Wednesday Group and a gardening club.

"There's not much to complain about really."

But Claire disagrees, saying there is no gym, no doctor and poor public transport - a trip to see friends can take hours.

"Sometimes I feel like I've got no friends. They're not really far away, but in effect they are because I can't get there."