THE former main post office in Nelson is set to be transformed into an ‘arts village’ after lying empty for more than four years.

The old branch relocated from the Victory Centre to a section of the former Woolworth’s premises in 2010.

Now Pendle Leisure Trust is behind plans to finally reuse the store, and Shafi’s uniforms store, at the corner of Leeds Road and New Scotland Road, as an arts and vintage shop.

An arts market has been staged there, on and off, for the past couple of years and another is planned for the weekend of December 6 and 7.

But when the market ends, the store will continue on site – known simply as The Shop – and an appeal is now being issued for extra traders to sign up.

Kirsty Rose, the leisure trust’s arts development officer, said: “Work is going on at all hours to get this inspiring place ready to open its doors at the Arts and Vintage Festival.

“But the big difference is that it will stay open after the festival. Already, inspiring artists and creative people have signed up to join The Shop.

“We’re now putting out a final call for a few more so that it’s full of wonderful things by the opening day.”

The announcement will create Nelson’s third market – alongside the indoor market in Pendle View and the next-door Nelson Bazaar.

Coun Paul White, the borough council’s regeneration executive member, said: “We’re backing this exciting idea, which adds a totally new dimension to the town centre.

“It’s come about thanks to Mary Portas funding for Nelson and support from the Arts Council.

The Arts and Vintage Festival has been a huge success and The Shop will build on that.”

Traders interested in being part of The Shop can ring Kirsty on 01282 661784 or 07815 962190.