A HYNDBURN superstore is set to expand after planners agreed with bosses it would stop shoppers going elsewhere.

Asda wants to extend its store in Accrington by building on the car park at the front of the building.

Hyndburn Council's development services committee approved a 1,000 square metre development.

The store is currently 8,000 square metres.

Planning officers accepted Asda's contention that there was a customer need for the expansion and that there were no suitable alternative sites nearby.

They said the extended food store in Hyndburn Road, on the edge of the town centre, would improve the quality and choice of shopping for people living in and around Accrington.

And they agreed it would help to stem any potential "leakage" of trade to stores further away.

Councillor Tim O'Kane told the committee they should put Asda in touch with the town's Litter Commission aimed at tackling Accrington's dirty-town image.

"Supermarkets should put a bit more thought into clearing up after themselves," he said.

Before work starts on the development, Asda will have to obtain written approval from the council on the design and appearance of the building and surrounding landscaping.