LOL Bingo has been granted approval to open a new bingo lounge on Southport’s Lord Street, with the company keen to invest £350,000 in revitalising the former furniture shop.

Sefton Council hailed the proposed bingo club as “a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the centre,” with the business also set to create eight new jobs.

“I have some vivid memories of Southport growing up and I’m proud and excited to open our third venture here,” director Mike Smith told Stand Up for Southport. “I really love the Southport area, it has so much going for the place and there are few areas such as the iconic Lord Street – the heritage is just incredible.”

“There are lots of positive changes happening in the town centre soon, with big investment in the Northern and Market Quarters and the new Marine Lake Events Centre. We want LOL Bingo to play our part in Lord Street’s regeneration.”

The club will occupy the vacant Lavish Homes shop at the corner of Lord Street and Scarisbrick Avenue, with LOL Bingo already having restored the listed canopy to the front of the building, and repainted the frontage.

“We are investing a significant level of capital into this local venture, which shows how committed we are to creating something special in this area,” added Smith.