AN eyesore store in south-west Burnley is set to be given a new lease of life by a frozen food giant, providing a key jobs boost.

Vandals and arsonists have plagued the former Kwik Save, in Accrington Road, since it closed around four years ago.

Bosses at Scottish-based Farmfoods have now confirmed they have taken the lease of the premises, near the junction with Cog Lane.

Town hall chiefs, who set up the deal, hope the move will aid efforts to transform the Accrington Road area.

New homes have been constructed off Cog Lane by housing partner Keepmoat, and the new £3.5million Moorhouses brewery redevelopment is only a stone’s throw away.

Council property officials are also trying to sell off the former Wood-top school, which has previously been touted as an apartments complex.

Borough chief executive Steve Rumbelow said contractors acting on behalf of Farmfoods were currently refurbishing the building.

He said: “We stepped in to buy this site last year when the property market was experiencing difficulties.

"The site had been empty for almost three years and was becoming very rundown, vandalised and a target for anti-social behaviour.

"The council intervened to prev-ent its demise and make the site more attractive to investors.”

Mr Rumbelow said the site was marketed as forming part of a regeneration area.

Council leader Charlie Briggs said: “The sale of the site will bring this area of Accrington Road back to life and lead to the creation of new jobs for local residents.”

Bosses at the freezer food firm would not confirm how many jobs would be created.

A Farmfoods spokesman said: “The conversion to a new Farmfoods Store, with around 100 freezers, is under way, with a view to opening the store in the near future.”