Plans to turn the former HSBC Bank in Market Street into a new cafe bar have been described as an 'asset' and a 'must' for Ashby.

Bristol-based company Loungers wants to turn the historic town centre building into one of its Lounge bars.

The company already operates over 200 venues in the UK - and wants to add Ashby to that list by moving to what has been described as an 'iconic' site, which is Grade II listed.

Its planned opening hours were presented to Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's licensing committee on Monday night.

Loungers' website says: "The company is an operator of café/bar/restaurants across England and Wales under two distinct but complementary brands, Lounge and Cosy Club.

"It is the only growing all-day operator of scale in the UK, with a strong reputation for value-for-money and sites that offer something for everyone regardless of age, demographic or gender.

"The Company operates successfully in a diverse range of different sites and locations across England and Wales.

"Loungers was founded in Bristol in 2002 by three friends who wanted to create a neighbourhood café-bar that they would want to go to.

"That focus on hospitality, comfort and familiarity remains at the core of the Company, driven by an independent culture and focus on the local community."

An official North West Leicestershire District Council planning application has yet to be made public.

But Ashby's Town Centre Manager, Stuart Benson, told Monday's committee that this is a scheme that should be supported by the town.

Talks have been under way for some weeks - and the company also wants customers to use outdoor tables, something the council says the design of the building lends itself to.

The Ashby branch of HSBC in Market Street closed last year

HSBC Bank closed last August, one of several in Ashby to shut its doors in recent months. But now it is set to offer a different service.

The Town Centre Manager told Ashby councillors: "For the town centre, it's going to be a real asset.

"Their venues are attractive and popular, and it should help increase visitors to the town as well as changing the dynamic.

"It will give a better balance and variety to the public. It will provide local jobs and prospects.

"The demographic attracts 40-plus and gives a wider choice of eateries in the town and reduces our vacancy rates.

"It will boost both the day and night time economies and helps with the Purple Flag accreditation.

"The assessors are keen to see further investment in the town.

"It'll raise the standards of businesses in the town, and the company is very supportive of its local communities.

"To have an historic building brought back to life is a must for the town. It'll possibly attract other businesses to Ashby."

The committee was also told that the area where the cashpoint machine once was, is set aside from the pavement and would lend itself to outdoor tables.

Lounge's application says it wants to serve alcohol from 10am-midnight, Monday-Sunday, and 'late night refreshment' from 23.00-00.30hours.

But Labour and Co-operative councillor Murrae Blair-Park added a note of caution.

He said: "We need to look at our late night economy strategy, in terms of who's open, and what's availalble.

"There's a lot going on that's positive, and a lot that's negative.

"We do need consider what goes on. Now we're going to add an up-market facility, with some street drinking facilities as well.

"If we do decide that it's the right thing to do, it does need to come in with an overall review of what's going on in the town.

"Because we have a growing drug issue and and issues at night with people leaving premises. People live in the community.

"We have to get a grip on what's going on."

The ground floor of the building has been advertised as available to rent following the HSBC closure.

Residents are able to submit feedback about the plans and make representations to the council's licensing authority by Thursday, June 22. These must be put in writing and can be submitted via email.