A former bank which has stood empty in Seaham town centre is set to be revitalised as a popular chippy.
The former Barclays Bank on North Terrace has been vacant since the branch was closed down in February last year. But the building, which is well known in the town for its shape, is now set to be transformed into a fish and chip shop after plans were accepted by Durham County Council last week.
Well known in the North East, Bells Fish and Chips, which has shops all over the region, will take over the building and no changes will be made to the structure that would change its general appearance.
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A statement accompanying the plans, which were submitted to the council last September, state: "Barclays Bank closed the Seaham branch on Friday, February 11 2022 as a result of the decrease in face-to-face banking following the increase in online and alternative banking arrangements.
"The existing building has been offered for sale to the open market where the applicant has identified the site as a suitable location for a high quality fish and chip shop restaurant and takeaway."
The building, which has sat on a prominent corner within the town centre for 30 years, will soon be home to Bells, which also runs a restaurant in Durham city centre that was recently voted as one of the best in the region. Durham County Council approved the plans for the Seaham chip shop on Thursday, April 13.
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