Battersea neighbours agree to set up co-operative book shop (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Battersea neighbours agree to set up co-operative book shop to replace Bolingbroke Books

1:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Alexandra Rucki

Neighbours have agreed to set up a co-operative shop to replace a closing store in their area.

A packed meeting on Monday saw the community suggest ideas for the future bookshop in Northcote Road, Battersea.

It comes after Michael Gibbs, owner of Bolingbroke Books, in Northcote Road, announced he is shutting up shop in April due to escalating business rates.

More than 60 people showed up to the meeting in Northcote Library to show their interest in setting up a community-ran model.

Mr Gibbs supports the move and would be involved, with hopes to hire a full time member of staff as well as volunteers.

Plans are in place to set up a committee as well as website, with shop keepers, NappyValley.net members and the Friends of Northcote Library attending.

Customer Viv Taylor-Gee, of Broomwood Road, Battersea, said the co-operative could stock French literature and children's books as well as mainstream titles to reflect the needs of the community.

She said: "Michael Gibbs the bookshop owner spoke and David Gee explained the options and the vision and launched enthusiastic discussion.

"Over all there was a real 'Yes we can' message from the meeting, who all agreed to invest in the bookshop if and when it is up and running."