The owner of the Hooked on Books shop in Dover is moving because trade is slow in the high street.

Gary Belsey, from Broadstairs, has occupied the shop for 16 years in the high street but has been forced to leave due to a lack of trade.

Instead, the shop owner is relocating to Margate’s old town, as he feels “things are happening there.”

Mr Belsey said: “It is no longer possible to stay here so I decided to move, there is just not enough trade to keep the shop going. I have lots of loyal customers and it is sad to have to leave them.

“Although Margate has its problems the old town is improving, hopefully it will be a better place.”

The businessman also said that Dover has “nothing new”.

“Nothing is changing in the town, although they talk about the development nothing is new in Dover,” he said.

Mr Belsey’s last day of opening is next Thursday, May 29.