PLANS to convert Bournemouth’s former post office into a pizza restaurant will help revitalise a neglected part of town, it is claimed.

Town centre manager Roger Parker said it was “absolutely delightful” that Pizza Express planned to move into the former post office in Post Office Road.

The historic Victorian building has stood empty since the post office relocated to WH Smith in 2008.

The decision to transfer post office services proved hugely controversial, with residents, councillors and post office workers campaigning against the move.

But the building is to be given a new lease of life after Pizza Express won planning permission to convert the ground and lower ground floors into a restaurant.

The company is also seeking permission to use land outside the building as an al fresco dining area.

Mr Parker said: “It’s great that we’ve got business people coming forward to make use of what is a difficult space. It’s first class news.

“There’s obviously a lot of work to be done in what is a rambling old building. I look forward to them making a start and moving in.

“It’s certainly going to breathe new life into the Post Office Road area which is badly in need of it.”

And Bournemouth councillor Phil Stanley-Watts, who had expressed concern at the fact the building was standing empty, said: “At least something is going in there.

“A place like this should not remain empty for long, it’s part of Bournemouth’s heritage.

“I had hoped it could be used as a heritage-themed family attraction, but a Pizza Express will bring in people and that’s what counts in these economic times.”