A TOWN centre bookshop premises has been placed on the market.

Wardleworths, on Westfield Street, is being offered for sale on real estate website Rightmove, with a guide price of £65,000.

In a description by Gilbertson Estate Agent, the property is described as a "freehold property" which is "currently trading as a bookshop".

The description reads: "We are pleased to offer for sale 33 Westfield Street, St Helens. This freehold property is currently trading as a bookshop, however, the seller has been advised by the planning authority that an application for A3 (restaurant and café) use would be judged favourably.

"In all there is some 1,600 sq ft of floor space."

It adds: "The property is situated at the heart of the entertainment district of St Helens which features a busy nightlife.

"Its situation also sees it as a main route into the town centre during the day.

"This property is for sale by the Modern Method of Auction which is not to be confused with traditional auction. The Modern Method of Auction is a flexible buyer friendly method of purchase. We do not require the purchaser to exchange contracts immediately, but grant 28 days to achieve exchange of contracts from the date the buyer's solicitor is in receipt of the draft contracts and a further 28 days to complete."

Wardleworths remains open and the Star understands no definite decision on the bookshop's future has yet been made.

The independent store has been a popular feature of the town centre and has seen a host of well-known personalities and sporting figures host book signings over the years.