SUPERMARKET bosses are set to ditch a cut-price store "experiment" - and return a Tesco to an East Lancashire town.

And a council leader says she hopes the decision by Tesco to convert their Jack's outlet in Rawtenstall to its original Tesco identity will provide a jobs boost for the town.

Cllr Alyson Barnes spoke out when a number of people lost employment, as a result of the original Jack's conversion.

Work will now take place to refurbish the Bocholt Way premises, ahead of a November reopening.

Cllr Barnes said: "I just hope that this move will be reflected in staffing numbers at the new Tesco.

"Many people lost their jobs with the move from Tesco to Jack's so I would like to see them looking again at recruitment going forward.

"We have been watching developments with Jack's with interest and this seems to be an absolutely sensible move."

Tesco bosses say they have made the decision after listening to customer feedback.

The Costa branch, pharmacy and petrol filling station there will remain.

Rawtenstall was one of the first Jack's locations, when it opened at the start of April, ostensibly as a bulk-buy rival to Aldi and Lidl.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK's chief executive, said: "We are really pleased to be bringing Tesco back to Rawtenstall in time for Christmas.

"We have listened to customer feedback and look forward to serving customers in the refreshed store."

Their north-west Jack's locations include St Helens, Edge Hill and Middlewich, with three more set to open elsewhere.

While the Jack's store is scheduled to close on October 20, the Tesco premises will be ready by November 21.