BATTLING cobbler Tony Martin is marking the closure of his shop this Friday by bringing out a controversial book.

Mr Martin, who has to leave his premises in Claypath because of large rent arrears, says Cobblers to the Council, the Rough Cut contains 'some big revelations.'

He has had 1,000 copies printed but plans to bring out a second, fuller version in the near future.

Mr Martin has been a thorn in the side of the authorities since yellow lines were painted outside his shop, which he blamed for a drop in his trade.

His shop window - which was filled with allegations about councillors and officials - became a landmark and has been photographed for the archives at Beamish Museum.

Mr Martin says his book features local controversies, including troubles at the Gala Theatre, and chronicles his failed bid to become a county councillor and the sabotaging of his web site.

Mr Martin has had to forfeit his shop lease because he owes more than £20,000 in rent to the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance.

He hopes to reopen elsewhere in the city but in the meantime says he will concentrate on the second draft of his book, which he believes will generate interest nationally.

He said: "It is already book of the year in the Rotten Boroughs section of Private Eye.

"I've had to get the book out now because of having to leave the shop but the second version will have more stuff in it.

"I'm not worried if legal action is taken over the book. It will only draw more attention to what I'm saying, which I can prove."

Mr Martin, who lives in North Shields, says he will be sad to leave - he must close on Saturday - but hopes it will only be for a short time.

He says he is having talks about setting up an Independent party to stand in next year's Durham County Council elections.

The book will be available from this Friday at Shotton Antiquarian Bookshop, Elvet Bridge.