It closed earlier this year after its parent company collapsed with the loss of 700 jobs, but a former Gloucester business premises could be about to find a new purpose.

Once a supermarket for self-respecting countryphiles, Countrywide Farmers off Westgate island was part of a chain of stores which closed after plans to restructure the Evesham-headquartered business failed.

The once popular chain, which sold farming equipment, equestrian goods and animal feed, also had stores in Tredington, near Tewkesbury.

Now it has emerged there are ambitions to turn the sizeable former store on the banks of the River Severn, into a self-storage unit - a move that could create up to nine new jobs.

Plans by Hedge End Holdings have been filed with Gloucester City Council for a change of use of the building.

If it gets the go-ahead the business expects to be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.