CAMPAIGNING cobbler Tony Martin will tomorrow mark the closure of his shop by bringing out a controversial book.

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

He has had 1,000 copies printed but plans to write 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, filled with allegations about councillors and officials, has become a landmark and been photographed for archives at Beamish Museum.

Mr Martin said the book would feature local controversies including troubles at The Gala Theatre as well as chronicling threats of violence he said he has faced, his failed bid to become a county councillor and the reported sabotaging of his website.

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

"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.

"I have had lots of orders for the book. There is a lot of interest.''

Mr Martin, who lives in North Shields, says he will be sad to leave but hopes it will not be too long before he can reopen elsewhere in the city.

And he says he is planning another bid to go into politics and is having talks about setting up an Independent party to stand in next year's Durham County Council elections.

The book costs £6.99 and will be available from tomorrow at Shotton Antiquarian Bookshop, Elvet Bridge.