A POPULAR bakery chain could be set to open their third store in Colchester at the site of a former bank.

Applications have been lodged by Greggs to convert the former Barclays bank in St Christopher Road.

The site had been used as a bank for more than 40 years, but bosses decided to close it in September saying two-thirds of customers regularly use other banks and pointed existing users towards the Colchester High Street branch.

Councillors had questioned the decision to shut the bank, but ward member for St Anne’s and St John’s Paul Smith (Lib Dem) said he believed Greggs would be a popular choice as a replacement.

He said: “I think it would be a very good addition to the shops which are already there, particularly if Greggs decide to include a coffee shop facility in there which I know some branches do have.

“It is thing the parade of shops there is missing and would be a really good thing to have.

“I would think as well as being popular with residents, it would also help the other businesses in terms of footfall and attracting people to the area.

“I would think a coffee shop facility would also increase the number of jobs Greggs would be able to offer.”

Mr Smith added he was pleased a potential applicant had come forward so quickly to stop the building being empty for any longer than necessary.

He said: “The bank only closed in September so it is a relatively fast turnaround.

“It shows there is still confidence in the area.”

Greggs has submitted two planning applications to Colchester Council which include plans for a new shopfront, extract grille and signs on the potential new store.

A decision is expected on this stage of the plans by February 14.

Greggs already has two outlets in Colchester town centre – one of High Street and another in Long Wyre Street.