TOWN centre bosses today praised supermarket bosses for investing £145,000 in a key site and said: "This is a sign of new confidence."

Lisa Durkin, town centre manager, said Kwik Save's decision to give their Croft Street store a facelift would help attract more shoppers to Burnley.

She went on: "This is excellent news. It will transform the area close to the new bus station and help attract further investment and development to that part of town.

"The refurbishment of Kwik Save is a sign of new business confidence. I'm looking forward to the summer when the whole area will be transformed."

Kwik Save will receive a facelift as part of a £28million national scheme -- while staff will also benefit from a makeover.

The investment pot has been made available nationwide after the supermarket chain asked customers what they want.

A problem with queues emerged as one of shoppers' biggest bugbears and the new-look store will include streamlined checkouts to reduce waiting time.

Customers will also be able to pay for their meat, fruit and vegetables at one pay point from ABC meats and John Dennis fruit and vegetables, which operate in the store.

The supermarket has also been decorated in bright cheerful colours and the staff have received smart new uniforms and extra training.

Store manager Kyle Cosgory, said: "We are confident that our customers will be delighted with the 'new look' Kwik Save.

"We will continue to offer high quality customer care and professional service to local shoppers.

"The company has a new-found confidence and is driving forward our key message that we are your local food retailer offering shoppers great value with the biggest brands at the lowest prices."

Kwik Save has refurbished 200 stores since August last year and is now on schedule to refit another 200 over the next 12 months.