Letters to Editor:- "Formby Books To Close"
"AS you all know times have been tough and very trying. I have tried to sustain a much needed Independent Bookshop in Formby since Pritchards sadly had to close just over 3 years ago. I did feel that a village with so many schools would value and use the services of a shop within it's community with staff who are passionate and knowledgeable, sadly this hasn't proved to be the case. I also have championed shopping locally and tried to keep engaging with the media as well as doing my own via social media and my radio work and library and school visits. The simple truth is, that too much damage to society has occurred with online shopping and perceptions of value, convenience and need. I could go on! We signed a 5 year lease with a break clause after 2˝ years, that period is now and we have made the decision to hand the else back to the landlord. Bob and Holly have moved on to start a new venture 'Write Blend' in Waterloo and I have been helping them with setting it up and free labour! I would have soon been celebrating 30 years in Formby, but sadly that can't happen now. I really hope the village and nearby realises that platitudes of 'shame' and 'my shops' are not good enough, the Independent traders are struggling and need constant media and public support. We cease trading on Monday, 23 June 2015, I am running a closing down sale of good quality new and some second-hand books. Thanks for the support you guys have given us I hope that things for others improve." Tony Higginson, Beyond Books CIC, T/A Formby Books.
