Despair as community set to leave Leigh Spinning Gate

With the Book Cycle acting as a central drop-off and pick-up point for pre-loved books, the venue has had an "overwhelming" response from the public since launching in Spinning Gate shopping centre.

Attracting countless customers over the past 18 months, the bookshop has also become a popular place for residents to volunteer while providing a safe space for groups like Man Leigh to talk about mental health.

READ > Opticians see clearly with Leopards partnership in support of beloved hospice

A wide variety of pre-loved books can be picked up at the Book Cycle (Image: Leigh Journal)

Despite the goodwill it has attracted in the community, Book Cycle is set to leave its Spinning Gate premises on Sunday, August 6.

As the charity bookshop was only intended as a temporary tenant and does not pay rent in the shopping centre, it is set to be replaced by a permanent occupier on a long-term lease, believed to be a mydentist practice.

While the Book Cycle will soon vacate their shopping centre premises, organisers and volunteers have been desperately searching for another unit in order to keep the book shop in Leigh.

DVDs, CDs and vinyl records can also be picked up at the Book Cycle (Image: Leigh Journal)

Book Cycle founder Anthony Melling said: "There has been massive goodwill from the people of Leigh since we opened the Book Cycle, with some customers telling me it is 'one of the best things to happen in Leigh for the last 20 years'. 

"So it would be such a shame to leave Leigh without a Book Cycle, as we will have to another town if we are unable to find a location.

"We would all love to stay in Leigh and with the overwhelming support we have had, hopefully we can find somewhere to keep a [town centre] book shop."

The charity bookshop is set to leave its premises (Image: Leigh Journal)

Karen Cox, centre manager for Spinning Gate shopping centre, said: "Spinning Gate Shopping Centre first welcomed Book Cycle to the centre in March 2022 as a temporary pop up shop for their charity book library and have continued to support them on their journey whilst growing their successful charity within Leigh town centre.

"The centre has now secured a permanent occupier on a long term lease which has resulted in the temporary provision for Book Cycle having to be concluded.  

"Throughout their tenure, the centre and landlords have been in discussions with Book Cycle and have assisted them with providing a temporary storage solution whilst they continue to source an alternative sizeable location suitable for their requirements. 

"We understand that Book Cycle have for some time been viewing other locations within the town centre to identify an alternative location.

"At present, Spinning Gate Shopping Centre boasts a 97% occupancy level with just one vacant unit, this is in negotiation phase with another potential operator.

"We wish Book Cycle continued success and growth in the town and we are confident that they will secure suitable accommodation to continue their charity book library within Leigh town centre."

Book Cycle inside Spinning Gate shopping centre (Image: Leigh Journal)