A bookshop is closing because of rising rent and rates.

David Ford has run Saltaire Bookshop in Bingley Road for several years.

But now Mr Ford has decided to concentrate more on internet sales from his own home.

He will open his house in Myrtle Place, Saltaire, a couple of days a week from June 30.

Mr Ford said: “A lot of high-street businesses are going because of the opportunities online to minimise costs.

“The decision to close is partly caused by rising rents and rates.

“The lease is up at the end of June and it is either close the shop and adopt change or close for good.”

He said that a Government announcement last year on rate relief had been unsuccessful because it had only provided a rate holiday for small businesses.

He said fewer people had been visiting high-street shops and more were turning to buying online.

After the move, evening events including visits from well-known writers will continue on Thursdays and reading groups will also carry on, said Mr Ford.

There will be second-hand books for sale at Mr Ford’s home but DVDs and popular fiction will be discontinued after the move.

He said the focus of the business would now switch to online sales.

Mr Ford said: “I have been doing online selling for a few months now, building up to this.

“The events and book groups I do for the community will continue when I open two or three days a week.”

“I think it will work and I am really looking forward to it.”

A sale of books and the shop’s fixtures and fittings is already underway.

For further information, visit saltairebookshop.com.