8:10am Sunday 26th July 2009
CAMPAIGNERS against the closure of Borders bookshop will make their feelings known at a protest.
They will gather outside at 2pm tomorrow on the steps by the library near to the bookstore in the Orbital shopping centre for a peaceful expression of their loyalty to the facility in the hope that they can reverse the decision.
The North Swindon store, which sponsored the Swindon Festival of Literature, confirmed it was selling the lease on July 12 and is expected to move out of town next month.
An online petition objecting to the North Swindon store’s closure has already been set up and, as of yesterday, had 1,913 signatures.
There are also 200 members on a Facebook page set up to protest at the closure. They are inviting people to come along, bring a book and even dress up as their favourite literary character.
Peter Dilly, campaign organiser and a former bookseller at Borders who resigned after hearing about the closure, said: “The strength of public feeling has been outstanding.
“Members of the Swindon community are outraged by the planned closure and have emphasised with passion the importance that Borders has in our town.
Borders in Swindon is so much more than just a bookstore. It’s a meeting place of likeminded – and diversely minded – people who are united by their thirst for literature, knowledge and culture. It’s inspiring our children to engage in reading and to broaden their horizons. It’s an integral part of our community.
“The fight to save Swindon Borders is far from over. We are urging Borders and New Look to reconsider their contractual positions. We are appealing to investors to recognise what a valuable resource.”
Coun Dave Wood (Lib Dem, Eastcott), described the protest as “a peaceful, non-political expression of our commitment t the cause.
He added: “We need people to come and bring their favourite book, take a seat on the steps by the library and show their loyalty for Swindon Borders.
“This could be Swindon's last Great Book Event, so why not come dressed a character from a book – or just bring yourself and your favourite book – and enjoy it.
“Our aim is to generate enough public interest and media attention that the parties involved reconsider the decisions they have made and maybe, together, we can save Swindon Borders.”
For more information on the campaign see www.saveswindonborders.org.uk.
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