AN empty pub in the centre of Thornton Village could be converted into two new shops if new plans are approved.

A planning application to change the use of the vacant Wellington Hotel on Thornton Road to two retail units has been submitted to Bradford Council by Mohammed Arfan.

The plans include new shop fronts being installed at the front of the building.

The pub has been empty for a number of years, and no longer bears any signs that it was once a popular drinking spot in the village.

The application says the shops would open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.

The shops would create six full time and two part time jobs.

Thornton South Square walk looks at properties then and now

The plans have already had a mixed response, with seven people writing to the Council in opposition to the scheme and three writing to support it.

Supporters say it will bring an unused building back into use, while objectors claim the village already has enough shops, and say there is a lack of parking.

A decision on the application is expected in late July.