Leckie's saved by its next door neighbour

Brian Flynn, chairman of Falkirk Delivers and owner of Behind the Wall, has now rescued the store by accquiring the building.

Doubts were cast over the future of Leckie’s in November 2017 when the property that has been its home for more than 50 years went on the market.

Mr Flynn said: “I decided to buy over the premises next door when I heard there was an application to change it to a resturant.

“I see the property as an investment. A lot of people shop at Leckie’s and then visit us at Behind the Wall. I think it’s important to keep the street local with Falkirk institutions.”

Leckie’s, a family-run business, first opened its doors in 1964 but sold the premises in March 2015 to local businessman Stephen Carr. He then applied to Falkirk Council to change its use from a shop to a restaurant.

However, the plans could have affected the appearance of the conservation area, and the council had to advertise the proposal under the terms of the Town and Country Planning Act before anything could happen.

David Leask, who now runs Leckies, was eager to keep the much-loved store open to customers.

Now with Mr Flynn as the new landlord, nothing is set to change.

Mr Flynn said: “Leckies will continue to run as before. I have no plans to change anything, which I’m sure David Leask is delighted about too.”