A CHILDREN'S nursery, a public library, parkland and workshops look set to be swept aside to make way for a new supermarket.

Retail giant Safeway is believed to be at the heart of the plans which residents fear may bring traffic chaos and kill off small businesses in the centre of Great Harwood.

Hyndburn Council is discussing proposals for a 18,000ft supermarket with developer Dransfield Properties Ltd, and plans are expected to be submitted to the council later this week.

Traders and residents fear a deal for the site, off Queen Street, is being struck behind their backs.

But council leader George Slynn said an exhibition would soon be set up in the town to explain the scheme and residents' views would be sought.

Great Harwood Library and a day nursery, both run by Lancashire County Council, will be demolished if plans go ahead.

Other properties likely to be involved include Queen Street Garage, Hanson Feeds, R and S Engineering and Plough Yard, which contains works units where around 60 people work. Hyndburn Council owns the development site, but leases it out.

At a private meeting, Hyndburn policy and resources committee conditionally approved the sale of council-owned land once the development is complete. The county council's approval will be required for the scheme and it is expected to consider the plans around June.

A new library may be created on Queen Street and planners hope a new day nursery can be set up.

Lancashire County Council confirmed that discussions had taken place with the borough council and developers but refused to discuss details.

Mike Chatburn, manager of Johnson Tool Hire, in Plough Yard, said: "The council seem to be doing this all behind closed doors. It's going to bring chaos."

Worried traders have held meetings and collected hundreds of signatures for a petition opposing the scheme.

Safeway today refused to comment about the proposals.

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