A CHARITY bookshop which has raised £150,000 for good causes over the past eight years will lose its premises next year and now faces an uncertain future.
The Watchet Community Bookshop’s licence for its premises on the town’s Esplanade won’t be renewed when it runs out next February.
And now organisations, charities and good causes which have benefitted from its donations have started a campaign to save the bookshop and find it alternative accommodation.
The marina-side building, which currently houses the bookshop and Watchet tourist office, is owned by West Somerset Council which has given both organisations notice that their licences will not be renewed.
A council spokesman told the Free Press: “The future of the building is yet to be determined as it needs significant refurbishment work.
“The council’s asset management group wished to provide advance warning that the council does not intend to renew the existing licences.
“This approach is in line with the council’s emerging asset strategy.
“The bookshop has provided a valuable service to the community and has been supported by the council for a number of years. The council wishes the venture well for the future.”
Watchet events organiser Molly Quint, who has received funding from the bookshop for Watchet Conservation Socety, Watchet Summertime and Queen Caturn’s Night, said: “It would be an absolute tragedy if this wonderful bookshop were to close.
“It has become an important part of Watchet community life and so many organisations have benefitted from its generosity. We must do everything we can to make sure we don’t lose it.”