A GROUP of well-read Malvern residents were so shocked to hear that a long-standing independent bookshop was shutting down they decided to band together in a bid to replace it.

As revealed by the Gazette, Beacon Books, in Worcester Road, will be closing its doors after 23 years in February.

Saddened by the news, and concerned by the ongoing decline of bookshops in the UK high street, a group of seven people immediately decided to open up their own store nearby.

They have formed a co-operative and plan to open up at premises in St Ann’s Road, just a few hundred yards from Beacon Books, next month.

Helen Barker, spokesman for the venture, said: “The loss of bookshops on the high street is very worrying, with an average of 69 bookshop closures a year for the last six years. This also comes at a time when libraries are also under threat from Government cuts and we are absolutely determined that Malvern should not be without an independent bookshop.”

The bookshop will also offer tea, coffee and cakes and Mrs Barker added: “It is hoped that the shop will be the centre of a cultural community where a wide range of bookrelated events and activities will be organized.” When Beacon Books owners Stuart and Anne-Marie Broadhurst announced the decision to close the store they blamed the rise of e-books and internet booksellers.

In order to give their initiative the best possible chance of success, the Malvern Book Co-operative is seeking views from people in Malvern on what the shop should offer.

Anyone with suggestions can leave comments at malvernbookcoop.

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