CUSTOMERS, church-goers and clergy have spoken of their relief as a Christian bookshop threatened with closure has been given a new lease of life.

Wesley Owen Books and Music in South Woodford High Road has been taken over by Nationwide Christian Trust (NCT) after the charity that formerly ran it went into administration in December.

NCT hosted a meeting today at All Saints with St Andrew's, Woodford Green, to provide information to people who have been involved in a campaign to keep the store alive.

Speaking at the meeting, Barry Land, church leader at Canfield Chapel, an independent evangelical church in Woodford Bridge, said: “I'm very pleased it's been saved – it's a useful resource for churches.

“I'll be paying it a visit as soon as it reopens.”

Regular customer Jannette Hindes, of Pulteney Road, South Woodford, who attends Woodford Baptist Church, added: “I first went there when I was exploring Christianity 20 years ago.

"They helped me pick a bible. It's very good news it's going to carry on.”

The shop has had a presence in South Woodford since 1978, but could move to new premises if NCT move forward with plans to expand it to include a coffee shop, lounge and children's area.

Former manager of Wesley Owen Dominic Stinchcombe added: “The expansion is going to be quite rapid, which is going to bring its own problems, but I'm hopeful for the future.”

Mr Stinchcombe thanked customers for all their support over the last few months in helping the store to get back on its feet. Mr Stinchcombe was also ceremonially handed back the keys to the shop during the meeting.

The campaign to keep it open attracted donations of more than £40,000, which will now be given to NCT to invest in the store.

The charity is planning to take over up to 20 Wesley Owen stores across the country.

Reverend Andy Twilley, director of Christian Life and Ministry at NCT, said: “We believe it's really important for local churches to catch the vision of what we want to do.

“We would seek to reopen as quickly as possible for continuity of trade but we're looking to find other premises in South Woodford that are larger.”

Rev Twilley will also be meeting with church-goers and stakeholders to give an idea of what is planned for the new stores and to gain insight from them as to what is needed in each area.

Staff who were made redundant are currently in talks with NCT to secure their positions at the shop.

It is estimated the shop will reopen in about three weeks once it has refilled its shelves and will trade under the name Living Oasis.