An east Suffolk branch of a card and gifts shop chain has expressed an interest in moving into the vacant premises of a former HSBC bank after outgrowing its existing store.

Staff at Card Factory in Hamilton Road in Felixstowe would like to move into a bigger unit due to the shop's success since opening nearly 20 years ago – as there isn't enough space for customers in store or capacity in the stock room.

The store's manager Jenny Wright said it was difficult for visitors with pushchairs to get down the aisles.

READ MORE: 'Yet another blow' as town bank earmarked for closure

She added: "We get really busy. We have just outgrown this site, to be honest.

"It gets very packed in here, especially at Christmas time."

She said the former bank site would provide more space and also mean that the shop would be able to stay in Hamilton Road.

READ MORE: Town banks set to close as HSBC moves more services online

However, any decision would be the responsibility of the national chain's head office in Wakefield and she said no approach had been made to estate agents about taking on the former bank premises.

The HSBC branch closed in July 2021 as part of a major cull of 82 branches across the country, with warnings from the town's business chamber that it would hit firms and the community.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

At the time, the town's then Mayor, Mark Jepson, told this newspaper: "I think it's incredibly disappointing but I suppose in the current climate not surprising.

"I feel for those who aren't as familiar with online and are relying on the bank but we still have other banks in the town so let's support the banks which are still operating."