NEW apartments could be created above a town centre bank.

An application for planning permission submitted to Warrington Borough Council seeks to convert vacant office space above the former Yorkshire Bank on Buttermarket Street.

The branch was shut last year, with bosses pointing to customers increasing using services online rather than in-person.

Four one-bedroom units will now be created in the first and second floors of the premises under the proposals.

Consultations on the plans are now underway.

A Yorkshire Bank spokesman said when the closure was announced: "We continue to see an increase in customer digital registrations and mobile usage.

"Should a customer wish to use a branch for general advice or to discuss a product, the St Helens branch is 9.1 miles away and there are a further three branches within 18 miles.

"There are other ATMs in the area that are free to use.

"Our internet, telephone and mobile banking channels allow customers to complete the majority of day-to-day banking transactions such as balance checks, viewing transactions, transferring funds between accounts, paying bills and cancelling or amending regular payments or even paying in a cheque on the go.

"The Post Office is located nearby in the Mall and provides personal and business customers with an alternative way to do their day to day banking transactions, such as cash withdrawals and paying in cash and cheques."