Campaign to save town "treasure trove" from closure

A MUCH-loved book shop and community hub near North Solihull is in a race to raise the £30,000 it needs to stop open.

Books Revisited, on Coleshill High Street, has until the end of the month to drum up the five-figure sum it needs to fund vital renovations.

If it fails to meet its target the premises, which is a valuable source of revenue for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, will shut for good.

Volunteers launched the last-ditch bid to save the store from closure after the charity announced that a hefty maintenance bill and spiralling energy prices had made the branch unsustainable.

The cost of the repair work to the building is said to be the single biggest issue; the site is Grade II-listed and falls within the town's conservation area, which adds to the financial burden.

Deb Bromage, who set-up an online crowdfunding page last month, said there had been an outpouring of support from the local community.

"We honesty cannot believe the generosity and kindness from everyone making us believe that we are doing the right thing in trying to save our shop," she said, in an update last week.

"Not only for our high street but for the charity itself who will get continued much needed funds if we do stay open."

Since the fundraising campaign launched less than a fortnight ago, online pledges have already topped £8,000 and customers have also made cash donations in-store.

It is hoped that a sell-out quiz night at Coleshill Town Hall, to be held later this week, will help add to the running total.

Neighbouring businesses have also mobilised to help, donating raffle prizes and decorating their windows with messages of solidarity ahead of tomorrow's World Book Day event.

Books Revisited opened back in 2012 and has become a stalwart of the town centre; it hosts a monthly book club and has served as a springboard for a number of other community groups.

But mounting financial pressures led to the charity announcing "with a heavy heart" that it was scheduled to close the branch on April 1.

Elizabeth Hancock, chief executive of Mary Ann Evans, had said: "While the decision to close is disappointing, over the years Books Revisited has made huge contributions to the costs of hospice services ... as a team we are very proud of that."

Many residents have voiced their support for the shop and their hopes the fund raising appeal will allow it an eleventh-hour reprieve.

Rose Parton said: "Books Revisited is a 'treasure trove' and essential to our high street in Coleshill. We can't lose you."

While Georgina Leah Ward recalled trips to the shop with her granddad.

"I have great memories of him happily rummaging through the books getting a bargain - followed by cake and tea in the café. I hope you can remain open for many others to enjoy."

To find out more about the campaign and how you can help, follow this link to the volunteers' fund raising page.