RESIDENTS in Colne have given their backing to a new supermarket in the town.

The results of a public consultation about the plans for a Sainsbury's supermarket in Windsor Street, next to North Valley Retail Park, have shown that 76 per cent of people are in favour of the store opening.

Outline planning permission for the store has been submitted to Pendle Council and is due to be determined by councillors at Colne and district committee in the next two months.

Subject to planning permission, Sainsbury's hope to start construction of the scheme later this year. Sainsbury's are hoping to open a 45,000sq ft store with parking for over 400 cars on the former Coach House Antiques site in Windsor Street, next to North Valley Retail Park.

A newsletter was distributed to all households and businesses in Colne asking for residents to give their views on whether they supported the plans for the store.

If the store goes ahead 320 full and part-time jobs will be created. The store will include a fresh fish counter, bakery and delicatessen as well as selling music, DVDs, newspapers and greetings cards.