Independent book shop - The Open Book - has been saved following a campaign backed by 470 local residents and community groups.

The shop in King Street, Richmond, had been threatened by a planning application from the landlord that would have effectively forced its closure.

The application envisaged grabbing part of the shop's floorspace and entrance to create an access for a flat on the upper floors.

As a result, the shop would no longer have been viable while access for people with wheelchairs or buggies would have been impossible.

However, the proposal was withdrawn this week in the face of objections from residents, the Richmond Society , book lovers and local historians.

The shop – run by Helena Caletta for decades - announced: "We would like to confirm that the Planning Application by our Landlord has been withdrawn.

"We are very relieved and would like to say a huge Thanks to all those who objected and a huge thanks to all who supported us during this trying time."

The bookshop was founded as the Magic Bus in 1978 by Pete Townshend, chief songwriter and guitarist with The Who. It later became a Penguin bookshop, affiliated to Penguin books, before becoming The Open Book.

The historic building has become part of the cultural heritage of the town and its supporters have described it as the 'best shop in Richmond'.

The Richmond Society objected to the application, saying it would "compromise the architectural integrity of the streetscape of small independent shops and have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the Richmond Green Conservation Area".

It described The Open Book as "a significant town centre amenity and a destination shop that brings people into the town".

Architect and president of the Richmond Local History Society, Paul Velluet, said the proposal "would constitute an irreparable loss to the amenity, character and functioning of the historic heart of Richmond as a long-established and diverse shopping area for both local and Borough residents, local workers and visitors alike".