Labour-run Westminster council is under fire after enforcement officers launched a furious planning war with a quaint independent book store, confiscating its display benches. The Gilded Acorn, a small shop on a wide pedestrianised street, had its two unobtrusive benches and 14 books seized by officers last week.
The tiny 30-year-old shop saw the council’s busybody remove fixtures, fittings and event infrastructure before making off with the property, which is yet to be returned. Glenn Smart, the bookshop’s manager, told the Express the intervention was “deeply distressing”. Mr Smart said: “We’re a quiet, community-minded shop, not a corporate chain. For over three decades, we’ve operated here, through recessions, lockdowns and constant economic pressure.
“But nothing prepares you for people coming through your door and stripping out your livelihood with no meaningful explanation or attempt at dialogue.
“While Westminster speaks of supporting culture and community, their officers are shutting down one of the few places still flying the flag for both. It’s a really tough time for small businesses, and for booksellers in particular.”
The incident has sparked outrage among neighbouring businesses and regular customers.
Crime figures for the year to June 2024 showed that the City of Westminster had London’s highest level of police recorded crime for 10 of 13 categories, including burglary, drugs, possession of weapons and public order offences.
Total recorded offences for the London borough were up 5.7% on the previous year, putting the council’s actions against The Gilded Acorn bookshop into sharp focus.
The revelation comes on the same day that Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner announced that she is planning on slashing needless waste by councils.
At the Local Government Association conference on Thursday, Ms Reeves will announce a new package of reforms to force councils to focus on delivering residents’ priorities.
Ms Reeves will warn councils that they have been weighed down by “needless bureaucracy” for “far too long”, and must begin focusing on voters’ needs.
She will say: “For far too long, councils have been weighed down by needless bureaucracy that makes it harder to focus on what matters most – delivering on local people’s priorities.
“We have already taken steps to fix the foundations of local government through our Plan for Change, and now we are going further and starting to tackle the mountain of admin and paperwork that too often holds the sector back.
“Our reforms will mean less pen pushing and more action in our streets and communities, improving local services for years to come.”
The move appears to ape Reform UK’s recent campaigns rooting out waste, with its DOGE programme headed up by former chairman Zia Yusuf.
A spokesman for Westminster City Council said: “Many businesses in this area use outdoor space for tables and chairs and everyone is expected to work with the council and each other fairly to maintain clear pavements.
“The council doesn’t want to confiscate books, it is a last resort, but we had little choice after the business repeatedly ignored council notices and engagement efforts.
“We’re pleased we’re now working with the Gilded Acorn to see their book display returned.”