RETAIL giant Safeway has confirmed plans for a new store which could create up to 180 jobs in Great Harwood.

After months of rumours, Safeway and developers Dransfield Properties Ltd have lodged a bid with Hyndburn Council to build an 18,000 sq ft supermarket, with 190 car parking spaces, in Queen Street.

The scheme also means an existing library, nursery and units at Plough Yard Industrial Estate being moved to other parts of the town.

The library would be relocated alongside Mercer Hall leisure centre in Queen Street, while the mobile school book service would operate from a new, purpose-built unit in Edward Street.

Businesses at Plough Yard would be moved to the adjoining industrial site in Queen Street and parking for Water Street clinic would be improved.

Safeway chiefs are to explain their proposals at a roadshow in Water Street car park on Wednesday, April 21, between 11am and 7pm.

Safeway's public affairs manager Tracy Hostler said: "Great Harwood does not have a large food store.

"As a result, the majority of people travel to Accrington and Blackburn for their main food shopping, which is detrimental to the town and its traders. A new store would reduce the need for people to travel further afield and attract new shoppers to the town."

"We take the views of local people very seriously and hope many of them will come to the roadshow and discuss what we are proposing."

Bob Whitehead, who owns two food stores in the town, commented: "People have accepted Safeway are coming, but I believe our customers will stand by us."

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