STORE bosses in Whalley are to set up a temporary shop selling essentials when the village's only supermarket closes for a £250,000 refit next week.

The Spar supermarket in George Street will close next Thursday for seven weeks while a major refurbishment is carried out.

Store bosses are to put up a portable building in the adjacent car park so villagers can continue to buy essentials such as bread, milk, sandwiches and newspapers.

Work on the store will include modernising the interior and installing a walk-in beer chiller a cold store where customers can take cool drinks direct from the shelf.

Brian Walker, East Lancashire area manager for Spar, said: "Our store is the only supermarket in Whalley so closing it for seven weeks could have meant customers travelling to Clitheroe or beyond for their essentials.

"So, we decided to put up a portable building in the car park so people can still purchase bread, milk and other daily items.

"We've done this before at other stores and customers appreciate it because we know people don't like to travel more than necessary.

"We won't be able to stock everything, of course, but we'll be open from 8am to 8pm and have two members of staff working."

The store closes at 10pm next Thursday and is expected to reopen on March 2.

The portable store will open next Friday morning, but will not sell alcohol due to licensing issues.