Shrewsbury Christian bookshop at risk of closure

A Christian bookshop and cafe in Shropshire that is also home to two Christian charities has started an appeal to save it from closing down.

Illuminate Christian Bookshop in Shrewsbury High Street employs eight staff and is the base for a youth charity and a debt advice service too.

Co-owner Phil Wittall said due to high maintenance costs the shop would close unless it could raise £60,000 by July.

A trust has been set up and is selling non-profit shares in the firm for £50.

Bookshop manager Christine Coleman said there had been a Christian bookshop in the high street for more than 40 years.

"It is so much more than just a bookshop," she added.

"We have people coming in here for spiritual guidance and encouragement, we pray for people and it is a meeting place too and we really want to keep serving people."

The store is also home to Community Money Advice and Shrewsbury Youth For Christ who run children's clubs and give presentations to schools.