A paper human chain was cut as co-operative October Books opened their smart new premises in the former NatWest bank building in Portswood on Saturday (Nov 3), which they bought after a massive fundraising drive.
• Human chain moves bookshop stock - book by book

 

There was international coverage the previous weekend for the human chain initiative, which moved books from the old shop along Portswood Road using the power of over 250 volunteers.

Team member Jess Haynes, third from right above, said the support they'd had from the community and volunteers had been overwhelming.

"It's been fantastic," she said. "It felt like a real community effort. I think people are generally thinking it's looking lovely, and it's exciting.... hopefully we'll get more people coming to visit and make ourselves a bit of a destination".

When the builders have finished there will also be rentable community spaces at the back of the shop, with a smaller soundproofed space probably for counselling, and other areas for community meetings, together with kitchen facilities.

Jess said they'd be particularly interested in hearing from people who'd be interested in longer term rentals.

Human chain photo: Mandi Bissett