Last updated at 11:51, Friday, 23 November 2012

Maryport's landmark HSBC building is set to become a bookmakers.

BOOKIES BID: Maryport’s former HSBC building, on Senhouse Street

Ladbrokes has confirmed that it is planning to open a betting shop in the Senhouse Street building early next year with the creation of four to five local jobs.

A spokesman said a licensing application was being considered.

It could be open by late February or early March.

He said: “Ladbrokes is investing in the town, turning an empty unit into a functioning shop which will add to the vibrancy of the street and help to create footfall for local businesses.”

He said a standard Ladbrokes shop fitting would cost £200,000 in local investment as well as creating new jobs.

Allerdale council confirmed that it had received a licensing application which is now subject to a 26-day consultation period.

A spokeswoman said there would be no change of use in planning terms but there may be a need for permission for new signs.

Maryport mayor Peter Kendall said it was one of the finest buildings in Senhouse Street and the HSBC closure had been a huge disappointment.

He was disappointed that a bookies would take over the site rather than something more “special”, although he understood the business reasons.

Coun Kendall’s wife Angela, an Allerdale and town councillor and chairwoman of planning, who represents the ward in which the building lies, was also disappointed that the old building would become a betting shop, but added that it was better being used rather than being left empty.

The HSBC branch was closed last year because of a “dramatic fall in footfall”, according to a company spokesman.

Maryport Town Council was among a number of local businesses which transferred their accounts to other banks in protest.

First published at 11:04, Friday, 23 November 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk