Privately owned business will have to close for good

A decision to re-develop Willesden Library centre has been met with concern by library campaigners, local businesses and services based within the planned development area.

The plans, which were unanimously passed at an Executive meeting at Brent Town Hall on Monday (16), will see the library centre in High Road close for 18 months. In addition, the former library, a locally listed building situated just yards from the current centre, will be demolished along with the Willesden Bookshop.

Steve Adams, who has been manager of the Willesden Bookshop since it opened in 1989, described the decision as “disappointing”.’ He said: “I am sceptical as to how much help we will receive. In reality there are few vacant positions on the high road.”

The bookshop is renowned for its supply of children’s books to schools.

Brent’s green party spokesman Martin Francis has been championing the support of the bookshop and has received numerous messages from people pleding their support.

One said: “It’s one of the few beacons of cultural success in Willesden Green and is a successful small business that we as individuals as well as local and central government should be championing.”

Cllr George Crane, Brent’s lead member for regeneration and major projects, said that all of the developers were given the option of including the building in their plans but “none saw it as viable.’ Cllr Crane added the council would give “full support” to the bookshop to look for a new base.

An e-petition has also been launched to save it and ensure it remains in the development plans.

To sign the petition in support of the Willesden Bookshop visit http://democracy.brent.gov.uk/mgePEtitionLIstDIsplay.aspx?bcr=1