A FORMER bank that was used as a cannabis farm has now been sold.

The substantial building in King Street, Wigton is a freehold investment development opportunity.

Standing on the main route through the town, the former bank has had a rough couple of years.

Just last year, police swooped on the former bank in a drug operation that resulted in two arrests.

But now the property has been snapped up and contractors are working on the property.

This huge building is very flexible and has large accommodation which could suit all types of usage split over four floors.

There is the opportunity to create of two retail shops, basement and a large three-bedroom, self-contained flat.

The current ground floor has A2 usage being the former Barclays Bank, but this could easily be changed under prior approval to a mixture of other uses.

There are currently been no plans submitted for the changes, but residents in the town are pleased that work has started on the building.

Among them is the leader of Wigton Town Council, Elaine Lynch, who said: “I’m not sure what is happening to the building, but it already has two retail units downstairs and a large flat.

“There have been no plans submitted at the minute, but it is great to see the building is being used.

“I hope it will help give the high street a boost, what-ever it may be.”

With the hopes the building will help create more opportunities in the town, she is delighted it is not going to be left empty and can hopefully help rebuild the town after the pandemic.

At the moment, the first floor is set up as a very large three-bedroom flat which has its own private access from King Street along with a huge loft space which could easily be turned into further accommodation.

Accommodation comprises of communal entrance hall giving access to 8 King Street ground floor and basement along with the residential flat.

There are also two large office retail spaces along with back office space, kitchen and bathroom facilities.

A second front door from King Street gives access to 6 King Street, which again has a large retail space which gives access to several large communal office, retail spaces with kitchen and bathroom facilities and rear access.

The property has had its ups and downs in the past and it stopped trading as a bank in March, 2019.

Barclays said at the time closing the branches was a “difficult decision” but has happened because of changing banking habits.

According to figures, customer usage has declined and in Wigton, 46 per cent of customers regularly use other branches.