Michael Goodwin outside the shop in Highgate Village

A BOOKSELLER who has put his business up for sale says he is hoping any buyer will want to keep a book shop in Highgate village.

Michael Goodwin, 76, has run the Highgate Bookshop in Highgate High Street since 2000, making it a favourite place to browse for people living nearby.

He told the New Journal: “Highgate is a literary area and I think it’s a dream come true to have a good bookshop on the corner of the street.”

He added: “I’m holding out on the idea that I can sell it to someone who wants to make a bookshop out of it, it’s a fabulous location and a great spot for people watching.”

Mr Goodwin said the shop’s popularity was rooted in its ever changing stock.

Highgate resident Marion Rushbrook said: “I am sad to see Michael retire and will miss his efficiency and wealth of experience. No book has been too obscure to be found and the children’s section has provided both old favourites and new delights for the younger members of the family. “It is to Michael’s credit that he wants the bookshop to continue after his well earned retirement.”

Another Highgate local, Nick Taylor, said he had encountered Mr Goodwin’s firm but efficient manner.

“The last time I went I was looking for one of Anthony Trollope’s Barsetshire Chronicles. I was delighted to see that the shop stocked the entire set,” he said.

“I selected the one I was looking for and complimented the owner on the fact that he had the complete set. His reply was: ‘Of course I have the complete set – we are a bookshop.’’

Tricia Leman, a member of the Highgate Society, said: “We are all very sad that our local bookshop is now on the market as current owner Michael is retiring.

“It will be the end of an era. Michael knows his market and his customers very well. Once when I was ill he sent along a package of books he knew I would like.”

She added: “Truly a neighbourhood service. Highgate Bookshop is the go-to bookshop in Highgate, and we locals are hoping it will be bought by someone prepared to keep it open. It is a village landmark and provides a great opportunity to run a neighbourhood business with loads of local support.”

Of his plans for retirement, Mr Goodwin said: “It’ll be a quiet goodbye and a walk off into the sunset. The time is my own to do what I want.”