Forest Books in High Street West, Uppingham will close by December after being served notice on the lease

A second-handbook shop will close by December.

The leasehold of Forest Books, in High Street West in Uppingham, was put up for sale last month after owner David Siddons, died of cancer in August.

However, the bookshop, which has been there for 25 years, will now have to leave because the owner of the premises Baines Bakery plans to refurbished and rewire it, as well as tidying up the look of the shop’s front.

Chris Siddons, David’s nephew who lives in Sussex, said: “We are now looking for a home for 25,000 books - all our stock needs to go.”

Before being served notice on the lease this week, Chris had thought that the bookshop would make a good opportunity for someone interested in books to take it over.

Forest books had opened four days a week while David was alive.

“My uncle had been running it since the 1990s,” explained Chris, who said he felt it was ‘sad to close it down’.

Two long-serving, part-time assistants had worked in the shop and had been prepared to work with a new owner, had the shop been able to continue.

David Siddons opened the shop in 1994 and as well as selling books, the shop also sold postcards, greetings cards, sheet music, maps and offered a copy and design service.

He started the business in Leicester in 1985.

The book enthusiast obtained a maths degree from the University of Birmingham and taught maths before opening up the bookshop.

He also gave numerous talks, including ones on Uppingham, the English Language and maths.

Baines Bakery, which owns the premises, is next door.

Anyone interested in taking on the stock of books should e-mail Chris at css@chrisandmarceline.co.uk or speak to assistants John or Ian in the shop.

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