Fury as Labour council confiscates quaint bookshop’s benches and books | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Labour-run Westminster council is underneath fireplace after enforcement officers launched a livid planning warfare with a quaint unbiased ebook retailer, confiscating its show benches. The Gilded Acorn, a small store on a large pedestrianised road, had its two unobtrusive benches and 14 books seized by officers final week.

The tiny 30-year-old store noticed the council’s busybody take away fixtures, fittings and occasion infrastructure earlier than making off with the property, which is but to be returned. Glenn Smart, the bookshop’s supervisor, instructed the Express the intervention was “deeply distressing”. Mr Smart stated: “We’re a quiet, community-minded shop, not a corporate chain. For over three decades, we’ve operated here, through recessions, lockdowns and constant economic pressure.

“But nothing prepares you for people coming through your door and stripping out your livelihood with no meaningful explanation or attempt at dialogue.

“While Westminster speaks of supporting culture and community, their officers are shutting down one of the few places still flying the flag for both. It’s a really tough time for small businesses, and for booksellers in particular.”

The incident has sparked outrage amongst neighbouring companies and common clients.

Crime figures for the 12 months to June 2024 confirmed that the City of Westminster had London’s highest stage of police recorded crime for 10 of 13 classes, together with housebreaking, medication, possession of weapons and public order offences.

Total recorded offences for the London borough had been up 5.7% on the earlier 12 months, placing the council’s actions in opposition to The Gilded Acorn bookshop into sharp focus.

The revelation comes on the identical day that Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner introduced that she is planning on slashing useless waste by councils.

At the Local Government Association convention on Thursday, Ms Reeves will announce a brand new package deal of reforms to drive councils to give attention to delivering residents’ priorities.

Ms Reeves will warn councils that they’ve been weighed down by “needless bureaucracy” for “far too long”, and should start specializing in voters’ wants.

She will say: “For far too long, councils have been weighed down by needless bureaucracy that makes it harder to focus on what matters most – delivering on local people’s priorities.

“We have already taken steps to fix the foundations of local government through our Plan for Change, and now we are going further and starting to tackle the mountain of admin and paperwork that too often holds the sector back.

“Our reforms will mean less pen pushing and more action in our streets and communities, improving local services for years to come.”

The transfer seems to ape Reform UK’s current campaigns rooting out waste, with its DOGE programme headed up by former chairman Zia Yusuf.

A spokesman for Westminster City Council stated: “Many businesses in this area use outdoor space for tables and chairs and everyone is expected to work with the council and each other fairly to maintain clear pavements.

“The council doesn’t want to confiscate books, it is a last resort, but we had little choice after the business repeatedly ignored council notices and engagement efforts.

“We’re pleased we’re now working with the Gilded Acorn to see their book display returned.”