STAR readers have reacted with disappointment after a planning application was submitted seeking permission to create a takeaway at the former Wardleworths premises.

Independent store Wardleworths shut its doors for the last time in August after being open for 40 years, causing much sadness across the town.

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A change-of-use planning application has been submitted to St Helens Council by Shirmohammad Aghaiepoorto, seeking permission to convert the property into a takeaway.

The local authority will decide whether to grant or refuse the proposals based on planning grounds.

A public consultation on the plans is running until Friday, November 15 with a decision on the proposals set to be made on Tuesday, December 17.

Some readers expressed disappointment, with several suggesting there is already a sufficient number of food takeaway premises in the locality.

One reader wrote: "How many food food places do we need, it seems any empty shop is setting up as a one."

Sarahlouise Mcgill added: "Don't need any more, there's too many now why don't they just say in stead of town its takeaway town because that's what it will be in the end if they carry on".

Sarah Davenport said: "That's ridiculous. Besides the fact we already have too many, another one is just going to take business away from the incumbents".

Andrew Daniels wrote: "Great memories of sporting heroes booking signings there. Will be lost to the smell of hot food".