THE finishing touches are being put in place for next month's referendum on the proposed Great Harwood supermart.

More than 8,000 residents in the town's electoral wards of Netherton and Overton will have their say on whether Hyndburn Council sells off land to developers for a new Co-op store in Queen Street.

Dransfield Properties Ltd recently received backing to build the Co-op from Hyndburn Council's planning bosses.

The store will be similar to the one recently built in Ramsbottom. Plans include a 144-space customer car park, new library and mini-roundabout. Around 75 jobs would be created.

A public meeting will be held about the controversial issue before people make up their minds about the deal.

The discussion will take place at Mercer Hall Baths, Great Harwood, at 7pm on Tuesday, November 2.

Voting papers will be delivered this weekend and can be returned to Great Harwood Town Hall or the council offices, Eagle Street, Accrington.

All votes must be returned by noon on Tuesday, November 9. The result will be announced at 1pm on November 11, at Mercer Hall Baths.

The outcome of the ballot must be ratified by the council's policy and resources committee.

But council leader Peter Britcliffe has already said he believes the committee would be unlikely to overturn the people's decision.

He said: "This is a unique opportunity for the people of Great Harwood to finally have their say.

"We want people to come to the public meeting so they understand all the issues and make a considered decision."

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