A NEW Aldi store will open in Blackburn early next year.

The company has bought the site of the old Poundstretcher store on Barbara Castle Way, and signs have already gone up outside the building advertising the new supermarket.

Last year the supermarket, which shuns well-known brands in favour of no frills products at budget prices, saw UK sales rise by 31.5 per cent, outstripping the ‘big four’ supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that we have bought the site of the Poundstretcher store on Barbara Castle Way. We are planning to extend and refurbish the current unit with a view to opening an Aldi store there in the first half of 2014.

“Planning permission for the site already exists, as the unit was previously used as a Netto store, but we will be seeking planning permission in the near future for our planned works.

“We are looking forward to bringing local shoppers brand-like quality products at everyday low prices.”