BOLTON Hospice wants to open a new charity shop at a former bank.

The hospice has submitted plans to convert the old HSBC branch in Hillview Road, Astley Bridge, into a replacement for its existing shop in Blackburn Road.

A statement submitted to Bolton Council said: “While this shop continues to generate valuable income for the Hospice its contribution has been in continuing decline since 2013-14 largely due to restrictions on parking, loading, unloading outside the shop.

“In addition, on an operational level, with a limited retail floorspace the ‘stock sorting’ area is, of necessity, at first floor level — representing a significant health and safety concern.

“With no opportunity to either resolve the operational issues or provide any opportunity to enhance its income contribution the Hospice has been looking for suitable alternative for the past 18 months.”