A former post office in Bolton could be turned into a convenience shop after plans were submitted to the council. 

The business, which is at 95 Manchester Road in Kearsley, is set to become a grocery store. 

The store was the home of Kearsley Post Office for 40 years until 2016, when a new service opened at the Costcutter at the town shopping precinct. 

In the interim it operated as 'Smile Enhance', but as of May this year, that signage had been removed and it was advertised as 'for sale', as seen on Google Street View. 

A request was put in to Bolton Council on July 22, applying for a license to sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm from Monday to Sunday, which were also submitted as the store's opening times. 

It would be called Kearsley Express. 

The former post office is on Manchester Road, KearsleyThe former post office is on Manchester Road, Kearsley (Image: Newsquest)

Owner Soran Hussain said: "I thought a shop would be useful for people. I just want to serve people and make a living." 

He said that, as well as alcohol, it would serve snack items such as crisps. He also said that he would be likely to close the shop at 10pm and that he would "never" open until 11pm. 

Mr Hussain added: "I'm expecting people to come for a few minutes at a time, buy their stuff and go, you wouldn't come and park here for two to three hours."

Ward councillor Tracey Wilkinson said: "It is the location where the post office was. 

"In recent years it was called Smile, but it has been out of use for quite some time now. 

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"The council has received a licensing application for it to be called Kearsley Express. 

Licensing notice at the storeLicensing notice at the store (Image: Newsquest)

"I have made enquiries with the planning department, as changing it from a post office to a grocery store would require a change of use application." 

She added: "Planning said they have not yet received a planning application for a change of use. 

"I have asked planning to let me know when the change of use is submitted so I can let residents know." 

Bolton Council says anyone who wishes to inspect the application should contact the Licensing Team by email at licensing.unit@bolton.gov.uk. 

Any representations regarding the application should be made in writing or by email to the Licensing Team also, with a deadline of August 19.