COUNCIL-bashing cobbler Tony Martin faces eveiction from his Durham shop.

But the man who has waged a one-man campaign against officialdom for five years, says he will barricade himself in when his notice expires this Friday.

Since 1999 he has plastered the window of his shop in Blue Coat Buildings, Claypath, with allegations against senior city council officials and councillors.

He has also featured in TV documentaries and now says he is about to publish a book about his battles, Cobblers to the Council.

But his landlord, the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance, wants him out because of 'persistent' rent arrears.

Mr Martin says he was given a week's notice of the forfeiture of his lease last Friday but that he wants to stay until March 28.

He became a campaigner when his business started to suffer after parking restrictions were introduced. He said he was not sure how much rent he owed.

"I would say about £20,000 but they have never tried to retrieve it. My idea was to release the book to pay the debt to keep the shop open.

"I have asked them to give me until March 28 so I can get the book out but so far there has been no response.

"If they come on Friday to get me out I will barricade myself in. People have offered to supply me with beer and bacon sandwiches.

"I need to be able to let everyone know I'm closing so they can collect their shoes.

"Also I help some pensioners out with their problems with the council. They need to know."

Jonathan Cryer, secretary of the Diocesan Board, said: "There is a very considerable quantity of arrears outstanding in rent.

"We will follow the legal process we need to follow if he doesn't accept the consequences of the notice."