A NEW budget store in Burnley town centre will create more than 20 new jobs, its bosses have said.

Poundstretcher will open its second Burnley branch, in Church Street, next week. The retailer has taken over a 13,000 sq ft site previously occupied by stationery firm Staples.

The Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Frank Cant, will officially declare the shop open for business at 9am on October 4.

The store is part of an expansion announced by the company last year, when it pledged to double its number of shops to 900 by 2018.

The first 50 customers through the door will be given a £10 voucher to spend at the new store.

Paul Troop, store manager, said: “We are delighted to open this store.

“I’m sure shoppers will be amazed not only by the vast range of products that we sell but also our low prices.

“I’d like to welcome everyone to come into the store and experience our low prices for themselves."

Brian Hobbs, president of Burnley Chamber of Trade, said: “Of course we welcome the jobs and the use of the large unit left empty when Staples moved out. It isn’t the ideal sort of business we would want but quite often these big chains can attract more footfall to the town centre and that benefits everyone.”