The threat of imminent closure is slowly lifting from one of the most popular bookshops in mid-Essex.

New hope - Kevin Peggs, of All Books, Maldon. Picture: NICK OBANK (43783-5)

Kevin Peggs, owner of All Books in Mill Road, Maldon, said he was delighted to be hosting book signings for established and lesser-known writers as part of a campaign to bring more trade to the lower end of town.

Less than a month ago Mr Peggs, proprietor of the new and second-hand bookshop since 1993, feared a nervous breakdown after vandals repeatedly smashed his shop windows.

But Mr Peggs said he no longer felt downhearted about the business and was not now anxious to sell the shop.

"We're doing our best to stay in town. We're holding our own," he said.

The shop has a long line of events planned in the run-up to Christmas, with another book signing arranged for December 17 with Robert Long, author of Good Ghosts of Maldon.

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Published Wednesday, December 7, 2005

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