FINAL plans for the official opening of a new DIY store in Clitheroe are being put in place.

Homebase was due to open a new store in Queensway this autumn but the date was pushed back as the company made final arrangements for the site.

A Homebase spokesman said: “We are still on track to open at the start of next year and more information will be released in the coming months.”

Speculation has dogged the development following the construction of a new building on the site of the former Rectella factory.

In February it was rumoured that Marks and Spencer had plans for the site but these were later rubbished by the company.

Speculation continued after the opening date came and went, but Homebase bosses are confident it will still open at the start of 2009.