BATTLE lines have been drawn by residents and traders over plans to build Barnoldswick’s first superstore.

Tesco unveiled plans to build the supermarket on part of the L&P Springs site, in Ravenscroft Way, off Skipton Road, at the beginning of the month.

Ravenscroft Way

Last week, around 350 people were able to view the plans during a two-day exhibition, organised by the retail giant and developer, Liberty Properties.

And almost three-quarters of residents said they were in favour of the proposed store.

But traders said they remained in opposition, fearing it would wipe out independent shopkeepers.

The supermarket would create around 175 new jobs, with the investment from the development helping to secure the long-term future of 36 jobs at L&P Springs.

Following the exhibition, 74 per cent of residents said they were in favour of the new store, with 15 per cent in opposition and 11 per cent yet to make up their minds.

Ruth Radcliffe, 66, who lives near the site, said: “We are desperate for a supermarket in the town.

“I shop out of town at the moment because I want competitive prices and flexible opening hours.

"A supermarket would keep me shopping in the town.

“It would be very convenient as I could cycle or walk to the supermarket, rather than having to get in my car and go out of town.”

Shopkeepers who make up Barnoldswick’s Chamber of Trade held a meeting to discuss the proposed store on Monday.

A spokesman said: “The town is quite unique with the vast majority of businesses being independent and family owned and they have been built up over many years.

“It is felt that very many of these businesses will be forced to close, thus ripping the heart and soul out of the local community.

“For this reason, the chamber is opposed to the local planning committee granting permission to Tesco’s proposal to build a superstore in Barnoldswick.”

Liberty Properties will submit a planning application for the development to Pendle Council later in the summer.

Matthew Magee, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: “We’ve seen a huge amount of support from people who want to do their shopping in Barnoldswick, but currently have to travel out of town.

"Our store will keep them shopping in Barnoldswick.”