A NEW Home Bargains store is set to open in Hyndburn next year.

Recruitment has started for roles at the Peel Centre branch in Whitebirk ahead of opening in March 2021.

In April 2019, Hyndburn Council’s planning committee approved the application for the store to take over part of the old MFI building, which has been vacant for several years.

This week, the positions of store assistant managers appeared on job websites.

A Home Bargains spokesperson said: “Our new Peel Centre store is due to open in March 2021 and we’re excited to be able to serve the Hyndburn community.

“We are currently recruiting for approximately 70 new members of staff, including store supervisors, store assistants and store cleaners, and would encourage those interested to head to our careers website (jobs.homebargains.co.uk) for more information.

“As a result of our constant growth, we’re always looking for new staff across the country.”

Cllr Jeff Scales, who represents the Rishton ward, welcomed the news.

He said: “To see investment in the area like this is fantastic.

“I am not sure about their product lines but it would have been nice to have had another hardware store like the MFI or Focus similar to B&Q which is lacking in Hyndburn.

“It is great to have a former building put back into use rather than lying derelict.

“Jobs in the area are also good news and whilst I can see the benefits of out-of-town centres I still think the pandemic has shown that people rely on local shops and should continue to use them as well. I am very keen for people to shop local.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Any firm in these times coming to the area to create business has to be welcomed. To have a big name such as Home Bargains looking to opening and bring their product ranges to Hyndburn is good news.”