A COUNCIL chief has denied rumours that a national retail chain has pulled out of discussions to open a store as part of a proposed £7 million shopping complex in Accrington.

Home and garden discount company Wilkinson were named last month as one of the retailers in the frame for a flagship unit which forms part of the planned town centre redevelopment.

The scheme includes plans to sweep away Peel Street bus station and Broadway's covered market to provide better bus facilities and a new shopping complex. The larger store would be sited opposite the Victorian market hall's Broadway entrance.

Worksop-based company Wilkinson was named on a council blueprint which town hall bosses have been using in discussion with Accrington traders.

Hyndburn's director of regeneration, Nigel Rix, said: "There is no substance in this rumour whatsoever. " A spokeswoman for Wilkinson said: "We can confirm that we have been pursuing the possibility of suitable sites in Accrington."

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