TWO supermarkets have been given the go-ahead for Longridge, despite fears they will cause traffic chaos.

The controversial move will swell the number of supermarkets in the town to five.

Ribble Valley Council's planning committee considered proposals from E. H. Booth, to build a 2,000sq ft store in Derby Road, and from Safeway, to turn the former Dairy Crest creamery, in Inglewhite Road, into a 10,000sq ft store, with coffee shop and 160 parking spaces.

The meeting heard the schemes would create more than 100 jobs, but residents argued employment might not go to locals.

The council had received a 100-strong petition objecting to the E. H. Booth scheme the meeting heard.

The petition listed traffic mayhem and the loss of property values among objections.

Opponents of the Safeway scheme feared for pedestrian safety, increased noise and traffic and the loss of on-street parking. The town's Co-op store had objected to both schemes, councillors were told.

Supporters of the new stores had also written to the council, claiming they would enhance the town centre and reduce travelling times for shoppers.

Safeway hopes to open its store by Christmas.

The Dairy Crest creamery closed in 1994 with the loss of 105 jobs. At its peak, it was taking milk from more than 200 local farms and won prizes for cheese production.

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