A FORMER clothes shop in central Carlisle is set to be turned into a new café.

The company Loungers is moving into the glass-fronted unit on English Street in Carlisle city centre, one of the most prominent empty lots in the city.

Here's how readers reacted.

Amanda Jane Leigh said: "We need decent clothes shops," while Samantha Duncan said: "Will be nicely welcomed. On a Saturday it’s hard to get in somewhere for a quick lunch unless you book ahead at one of the restaurants."

Lisa Boyle said: "Nice to see another place coming but far too many cafes in town," and Dawn Rearden commented: "Another cafe! That’s really what the city centre needs."

Louise Brock commented: "I wish someone would open a Harry Potter shop like they have in Edinburgh and York."

Grace Watson added: "We need some better shopping, not a cafe."

Ali White said: "I’d rather have small, independent, local businesses and cafes filling the empty spaces."

Kathy Johnstone said: "Carlisle doesn’t need another cafe. How about shops to get people into the city," and Joan Cliff said: "Think we should be more positive about a company which is choosing to invest in our city centre. Hopefully, it will bring life and vibrancy."

Nicola Sc said: "Cozy Club and Loungers are good, different to Costa offer meals and alcohol, not just sandwiches and coffee, so they’ll make a welcome change to Carlisle’s Costa take-over."

Joan Kilgour commented: "We need more clothes shops for older ladies."