TRADERS have voiced fresh concerns about a proposed supermarket development in Great Harwood, councillors were told.

And a meeting of Hyndburn council heard that the prospect of a new Safeway store could change the character of the town centre.

Plans have now been submitted to Hyndburn Council for the new 18,000sq ft Queen Street supermart, which developers say would create 180 jobs. But opposition to the proposals, which include relocating a library, nursery and industrial units, has been strong in the town.

Coun Jim Dickinson said: "People in Great Harwood are concerned about the viability of this development in a community of that size.

"The town is isolated and you have to make a specific point of going there, so attracting people in may well prove to be difficult. There is already a supermarket in the town and I have made several visits, during which concerns have been expressed by traders in smaller shops about their future. "There are positive sides to the plans, such as the library and the day nursery, but I have serious reservations it may alter the character of this once proud and fine town."

But council leader George Slynn, accused Conservative Coun Dickinson of making a political issue out of the development.

And Coun Slynn blasted the Tories for pulling out of next month's elections in his own Netherton seat, after they stood aside to allow independent candidate Adrian Shurmer a straight fight with him.

Coun Slynn added: "I don't think anyone would want to turn down the possibility of creating more than 100 jobs."

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