A FORMER library could be turned into a pizza take-away if planning permission is granted.

People living in Warndon campaigned hard for the 40-year-old library to stay open, but it fell victim to council funding cuts in 2007. Since then the building in Cranham Drive has remained empty.

Now a couple from Worcester have applied for permission to open a pizza takeaway at the site.

Besnik Meci, of St George’s Lane North, Barbourne, Worcester, says in his application that the couple are well equipped to open the new shop thanks to his 12 years’ experience in the business.

“My wife has been fortunate to work in very close proximity to the centre of Warndon having taught in the nearby primary school, thus giving us a good insight into the local community,” he wrote.

“There is currently only one other hot food premises in the area serving fish and chips which we feel would be complemented by our pizza business.”

But nearby traders claim a new fast-food outlet could damage their businesses, which are already struggling, and lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Chris Fatta, chairman of the Warndon Shops Association and owner of the Warndon Fish Bar, said: “People are opposed to the new shop because now it’s going to pull more kids there, so there will be more of a nuisance, more litter, and there is already a parking problem so that will get worse too.

“It’s not just about my business being affected, it will be bad for the residents around there. But the association are against opening a shop that would affect any of our existing shops. The hardware store has already closed, and another shop will be closed by the end of the month. Now they want to open the pizza place which will affect the fish shop and the bakery.”

Rosemary Barriscale, whose family have run the Hot Bake Bakery in Cranham Drive for more than 40 years, said she was keeping an open mind.

“I really don’t know what impact a pizza place will have,” she said.

“I prefer the library, but at least the unit will be used for something. The youngsters like pizza, don’t they, so it could do very well.”

Your Worcester News reported in 2007 how residents and local traders described closing Warndon Library as like “ripping the heart out of the community”.

It was closed as part of a countywide shake-up of library services, saving Worcestershire County Council £8,000 a year on lease payments. The service has since relocated to the Fairfield Centre in Brickfields.

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said the pizza takeaway application was now being considered and would be subject to a site visit and consultation with neighbours.