COMMUNITY organisations in Watchet are appealing to West Somerset Council to give them time to find a solution for the Harbour Community Bookshop after it was given notice to leave by the end of November.

The bookshop raises thousands of pounds for charity each year, and Watchet Coastal Communities Team, an umbrella group in the town, is now seeking an extension of the lease so that a longterm, community solution can be found for the building on The Esplanade.

The move won a unanimous endorsement from Watchet Town Council at its meeting on Monday.

West Somerset Council has said the building would need works estimated at over £16,000 to bring it up to a level in line with new energy performance requirements, if it is to continue to be let.

And it said it was considering all its options for the future of the building before committing to any spend, with an initial report due on October 22.

The charity had been told by council officials that the lease would not be renewed after the end of November.

The bookshop, which has 50 volunteers, has raised £120,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and £66,500 for local good causes since 2009.

“There are no alternative premises in the town which are suitable, and being on The Esplanade is perfect for us,” said Jeff Bird, chairman of the community bookshop for the past seven years.

Full story in tomorrow’s Free Press.