A FULL public consultation will take place next month to inform residents of Sainsbury's plans to build a supermarket in Darwen.

The supermarket giants submitted planning proposals to Blackburn with Darwen Council on May 20 for its new store to be built on the Redearth Road site.

Now the consultation will take place at Darwen Library on June 26-27 with proposed plans and an artist's impression of the store which is expected to open in the spring of 1999.

Representatives from Sainsbury's will be on hand to answer any questions members of the public may have.

The new 15,000 sq ft store, selling more than 12,000 product lines, is expected to create 150 jobs. More than 200 parking spaces will be provided, which will include dedicated areas for disabled shoppers and parent with child spaces.

There will also be extensive landscaping and improvements to the walkway along the River Darwen and new traffic signals at the junction of Hardman Way and Redearth Road and pedestrian crossing.

The scheme is subject to full planning permission being given by the council.

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