A CHURCH wants to turn a vacant north Glasgow pub into a place of worship.

Glasgow city planners are being asked to approve a change-of-use application by New Mercy Church for the Ashfield Bar premises in Hawthorn Street.

The building is next to Ashfield Stadium, home to Ashfield Juniors Football Club and Glasgow Tigers Speedway Team.

A drawing submitted to the planning department shows that the bar area would become the church sanctuary — where services would be held — with room for around 100 seats.

The lounge area would be turned into a hall, and smaller rooms would be provided for children’s activities.

The proposal is pending assessment by Glasgow planners.

Permission was given last year for the building to be turned into a restaurant, with small takeaway facility, and a separate retail unit.