AN OLD grocers, which has been lying empty on Kelty Main Street, could soon have a new lease of life after permission was granted to turn it into a takeaway sandwich shop.

Laura Campbell, of Station Road, submitted an application last month which was given unconditional approval for the ambitious venture. Now the vacant building is set be transformed into a brand new food outlet selling sandwiches, filled rolls, home baking and coffee, for consumption outwith the premises.

Councillors are keen to see shops open and doing business rather than being boarded up, as is the case with many buildings, and the new sandwich bar could play its part in attracting people to Main Street. With the primary school and community centre in the immediate vicinity, there are many passers-by who could be attracted to the business for lunch or a snack, bringing business to the area.

The Lochs councillor Willie Clarke said, “This is excellent news, especially when it involves someone from Kelty. It’s a golden opportunity for the people of Kelty to give support and it’s most welcome news.

“It makes a change to hear about shops opening up when so many have closed down. It’s really positive news, because when you see shops closing and shutters going up it deflates the area.”