AN independent West Kilbride bookstore is set to reopen - four years after it was forced to close due to a £5,000 rates increase.

Timberbooks is moving back into its former Overton home and owner Michele, who started the business in 2007, says the business was almost entirely destroyed by the hike.

She added: “We are absolutely thrilled to confirm the re-opening.

"Our customers will already know that in April 2017 we were hit by a £5,500 annual increase in our business rates, which almost entirely destroyed our business.

“We had to close our bookshop and tea house and change to an events-based and online business model.

“We were working with schools and libraries whilst organising occasional pop-up shops here at Overton.”

Michele has praised the local community for their support which has allowed her a second chance at a physical store in the village.

She said: “We've worked since 2020 to re-position our business once again.

“Three things have ensured our survival since 2017, the support of our local community, our loyal customers home and abroad and the arrival online of Bookshop.org.

“These things have given us the confidence to re-open our high street store and to look forward to the future with increased optimism.”

Timberbooks will be open in Overton on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 until 5pm.