Community co-ops

It's not just secondhand bookshops that can be reincarnated by community initiatives like that in Clevedon ( Help start a whole new chapter for a much-loved bookshop , Money, 10 December). When Dartmouth's famous Harbour Bookshop, founded 60 years ago by Christopher Robin Milne, closed abruptly at the end of September a few people came together in the local civic society to establish a fresh source of new books. With advice from the Plunkett Foundation, the organisation that has guided many village stores into fruitful new life as community co-operatives, the group has attracted energetic voluntary support from many quarters. As a result we have acquired modest new premises, fitted them with shelves, bought a stock of new books, and employed the manager from the old shop – along with her computerised ordering systems. Last week we successfully opened for business in time for the important Christmas trade. Our independent not-for-profit co-operative was able to act quickly with the help of loans and donations. Its longer-term viability will depend on a successful share launch in the new year and on how well it serves the wider community, as in the admirable Clevedon venture. Anthony Fyson Chair, Dartmouth Community Bookshop