A LONGSTANDING convenience store in Port Seton is looking for new tenants after its current ones decided to focus on other interests.

The family-run Port Seton News, on Links Road, has provided a local service in the village for many years, playing an “invaluable” role during the recent Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

The shop is surrounded by a large mix of residential and commercial properties and benefits from the high footfall in the area, business agents for its sale said.

It also has a loyal customer base and enjoys strong seasonal trade due to its proximity to the local holiday park at Seton Sands, they added.

The business is currently operated by Mr and Mrs Mahmood and has come to the market so they can focus on other interests.

Agent Christie and Co has stressed the “outstanding opportunity” the shop holds for a new owner to acquire a leasehold business in a “thriving community”.

Liam Bain, business agent, said: “With consistent weekly sales that increase in the summer months, the business provides a good foundation to work from.

“Turnover could be increased by extending opening hours, refreshing the internal space to improve the grocery offering, obtaining an alcohol licence, providing a hot food to-go option and increasing the current services being offered.”

A spokesperson for Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council said: “In a small community like ours, it is so important to have family, locally run businesses.

“They have provided a great local service for several years now and were invaluable to many during the lockdown periods.

“We wish the family well in whatever the future holds for them and look forward to meeting the new tenants and welcoming them to Cockenzie and Port Seton.”