A GREENGROCER who has been in the trade for 24 years could be about to reinvent his business.

Tom Jackson, from Longridge, has owned and run Applejacks Greengrocer on Berry Lane in the town since the 1990s, but his shop could be transformed into a micro bar before long.

This, he says, is mostly down to the fact the he now finds it difficult to compete with the bigger supermarkets which have opened in the area.

He said: “Over the past few years my trade has diminished primarily due to the difficulties encountered with trying to complete with much larger companies, such as Booths and Sainsbury’s who have opened premises across the road, only a short distance away from me.

“There is also an Aldi store opening in November, and I imagine this will have a further consequential effect on my business.”

The 57-year-old, who still works most days in his shop, said the idea to change the premises from a greengrocer’s into a micro bar came about during a conversation with his son-in-law.

He said: “We need to try to keep moving to fit in with demand.

“My son-in-law was the one who originally said about transforming the place, and it's an idea which has kind of stuck since.

“This doesn’t mean to say that it is definitely going to happen, but there’s a chance if things continue the way they are.”

Speaking about his disappointment at a lack of trade after 24 years on the street, Mr Jackson said he believes a lot of town centres are suffering due to large out-of-town retail parks.

He said: “Some people no longer have the need to come to the high street like they used to, and that’s not a good thing for independent businesses.”

He added that while he was aware that there were other bars in the area, his plan to change the use for Applejacks was unique as his would be the only one both owned and run by the proprietor.

He said: “To this end I have a vested interest to continue running my business.

“I would like the bar to accommodate around 60 people, with no loud music and a pleasant atmosphere which would encourage conversation,” Mr Jackson added.

Mr Jackson has submitted a redevelopment statement to Ribble Valley Borough Council for consideration and expects to hear back from them before the end of the year.