PEOPLE in Great Harwood will make the final decision on whether council land in the town centre is sold to make way for a new supermarket.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe told a public meeting at Central Methodist Church hall, King Street, the controversial issue would be settled by a referendum.

The outcome will have to be formally ratified by Hyndburn Council - but Coun Britcliffe said members were unlikely to ignore the voice of the voters.

The development services committee yesterday rubber-stamped plans from developers Dransfield Properties Ltd to build a Co-op in the town centre.

A store similar to the one recently built in Ramsbottom is planned for Queen Street, currently the site of Great Harwood Library, a county council-run day nursery and industrial units at Plough Yard.

They would be replaced by the 2,499 sq metre store, a 144-space customer car park, new library and mini-roundabout. Around 75 jobs would be created.

The site was initially intended for Safeway but the scheme was scrapped and replaced by United Norwest Co-op plans. The Co-op has announced it will close its Late Shop in Glebe Street if it is granted permission to build the new supermart. A report to councillors recommended approval, claiming the town needs the store and impact on local trade and traffic would be minimal.

Ballot papers will be issued to residents in Overton and Netherton wards on November 1, followed by a public meeting in the town on November 2.

The result will be announced at 11.30am on November 11.

Coun Britcliffe said: "We have got to make local government accountable.

"This will be the first referendum since the council's inception in 1974.

"The question will be, do you agree that Hyndburn Council should sell its land adjacent to Queen Street to enable a supermarket, shoppers' car park and new library to be developed?

"That will decide whether this development is furthered.

"It must be ratified by policy and resources on November 30, but I'm sure they wouldn't ignore the referendum."

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