Punctuation of that kind would be unhelpful in any kind of English. It is much clearer to write If there are there any nearby towns or villages or If there are there any nearby towns and villages, as appropriate. What, incidentally, do you mean by ‘Commonwealth English’?

Forward slashes: are they acceptable in Commonwealth English prose?
I was reading up on an article that was talking about rewards in heavens. Then it struck me, is it a sin to do "works" for the sake of "rewards" in heaven ?

What does the Bible have to say regarding doing works for the sake of rewards in heaven ?==
Side question: What is the difference between "seeking personal gain" and "selfish ambition" ?
