PLANS to bring a state-of-the-art jobs and benefits centre to Burnley remain a top priority for the government.

The news came after MP Peter Pike met with employment minister Nick Brown at Westminster yesterday.

Mr Pike wants to see a JobCentre Plus share the former Co-op Pioneer supermarket site in Curzon Street, which has been earmarked for retail space.

He said the new centre would create 250 jobs for the town.

Plans from the Job CentrePlus included closing the existing Job Centre in Bankfield and replacing it with a new hi-tech base. But Burnley Borough Council refused the planning application in January and said the site must remain retail space.

Stannifer, the company which last year bought the Curzon Street and Charter Walk shopping areas, wants to extend Burnley's shopping district by demolishing the empty supermarket and building new shops.

Members of the Chamber of Trade, town centre management team and market manager all voiced strong objections to the site being used for a job centre and instead argued for retail space.

Mr Pike met Nick Brown, Minster for Works, to find a solution that would suit both sides.

Mr Pike said: "I still believe that the Job CentrePlus bid is the best option for that site. A list of alternative sites have been put forward by the council but most, in my opinion, are not suitable.

"I believe that the site could have a joint use, both for retail and for Job CentrePlus. If we get that we could have 250 new jobs in Burnley.

"I am sure that we will find some compromise but it won't necessarily be the best solution. I accept that the council want what is best for Burnley, and so do I.

"It is a large piece of land and I am sure both plans can be integrated together. Nick Brown made clear he does want a Job CentrePlus in Burnley as soon as possible.

"But, if we can't find a site it could go elsewhere, including Nelson. They are talking about bringing some regional offices to Burnley at the moment which would create another 100 or more jobs."

The issue will be discussed at a meeting of the council's executive tonight.