Bridlington Old Town Bids Farewell to Beloved Independent Bookstore

​After nearly a year and a half of serving local literature lovers, Old Town Books on Bridlington’s historic High Street has announced it will be closing its doors permanently. The independent bookshop's final day of trading will be Saturday 15th August.
​Opened in March 2025 by local resident Rebecca Gaines, the shop was the realisation of a personal dream and a bold leap of faith. It quickly established itself as a cherished hub in Bridlington Old Town, giving the community a vibrant local alternative to online multinational retailers.The shop was recognised for its unique contribution to the Bridlington community, winning the Hidden Gem category at the Bridlington Business Awards in January 2026.
​"It is always deeply saddening to see a local business close its doors, especially one that brought such warmth and community spirit to our historic High Street," "Rebecca took a wonderful chance on her dream, and Old Town Books truly added something special to Bridlington, particularly in inspiring local children and helping them foster a lifelong love for reading. While running a small business in today's climate is remarkably tough, the positive impact the shop made on readers of all ages will certainly be remembered." Cllr Angela Walker 

​Call for National Policy Reform to Protect Independent Shops
​The closure highlights the broader pressures currently facing independent retailers across the UK. National campaigners and Liberal Democrat representatives have frequently raised concerns about the growing financial burdens placed on brick-and-mortar traders.
​As part of their national high-street strategy, the Liberal Democrats have championed key policy reforms aimed at helping small businesses stay afloat:  
​-Abolishing Unfair Business Rates: Replacing the current business rates system with a Commercial Landowner Levy paid by property owners rather than tenant shopkeepers, easing direct overhead costs for local businesses.  
-​Levelling the Playing Field: Ensuring multinational online platforms pay their fair share of tax, preventing independent high-street retailers from being undercut.
-​Town Centre Regeneration: Giving local councils expanded planning powers to bring vacant units back into community use and foster flexible spaces for local entrepreneurs.  

​Advocates argue that without such legislative reforms to ease the strain on small enterprise owners, high streets across the country risk losing more treasured community hubs like Old Town Books.

​Final Bargains for Local Readers
​Before the shop closes for good, customers are being encouraged to pop in and say their goodbyes. The store remains well-stocked, and almost all inventory has been heavily reduced as part of a final closing-down sale.

​For local book lovers, the coming days offer a final opportunity to support an independent business owner and pick up a bargain before this High Street chapter officially comes to a close.

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