AN MP has publicly backed supermarket giants Sainsbury's in their battle to build a prestige supermarket in Darwen. Janet Anderson said the firm has the pulling power to revitalise the town and attract businesses and shoppers. The MP backed Sainsbury's ambitious plans as Blackburn and Darwen Council is locked in negotiations with the firm - and the Co-op - over proposed plans to build a supermarket at the bottom of Redearth Road.

She said: "I have said all along that Darwen needs a quality store with the pulling power of Sainsbury's. The store is one of the most famous in the country and would be a tremendous scoop for the town. People from the surrounding areas would soon start to shop in Darwen and that can only be good news for the local economy."

She added: "A shop like this would go a long way to revitalising Darwen because I am sure it would attract businesses to the town. It would be just the thing we need.

"As a resident of Darwen it hurts that I have to go elsewhere to do most of my shopping and I imagine a lot of other people feel the same. A first-class supermarket would not only attract shoppers into the town but persuade people living here to shop here also."

A decision was due to be made at an emergency policy and resources committee last month but members failed to decide on which offer to accept.

Councillor Malcolm Doherty, leader of the council and chairman of the policy and resources committee said: "I cannot say when a decision will be made as officers are still in negotiation with the parties concerned."

Sainsbury's have also unveiled a £6 million plan to build a supermarket in Clitheroe town centre that could create up to 180 jobs.

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