TRADERS in Clitheroe have reacted strongly to news that supermarket giant Sainsbury's wants to build a multi-million pound food store in the town centre.

The £6 million scheme, if it gets the go-ahead, will create up to 180 full and part-time jobs and revamp a prominent site in Moor Lane left derelict after the former Salford Bridge Mill was demolished.

Civic leaders are jumping with joy over the project, which will further enhance Clitheroe's reputation as a boom town.

But there has been a mixed reaction from traders, some of whom think it will bring a new lease of life to the town centre, others who think it will lead to "supermarket overkill".

The proposed 17,500 sq ft site will include 180 car parking spaces for shoppers and other town centre users.

Early approval of the plan would see the supermarket open and trading by Christmas next year.

Clitheroe Chamber of Trade president Nigel Pratt gave a guarded welcome to the scheme, but said his executive committee was to meet shortly to discuss the plan and hear the opinions of members involved in the sale of food and drink.

"We need to carefully consider the plan before making an official response, but there are bound to be strong opinions for and against," he said.

One trader, who wished to remain anonymous, said the last thing Clitheroe needed was another supermarket.

"This town is being overrun by charity shops and supermarkets. There will be no small independent retailers left at this rate.

"There are four supermarkets already. We certainly don't need another," he said.

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