WORK on a new supermarket, which will create 70 full-time jobs, is ‘on track’ for opening.

The Booths store, which is being built in Barrowford, is set to open at the end of November.

Plans from the upmarket food retailer were first unveiled for the Halstead Lane site in 2006, with the proposals eventually being approved in 2008 by Pendle Council, despite objections from residents and independent shopkeepers.

Work on the development stopped temporarily last October as bosses had applied for further permission to accommodate changes for deliveries to the store.

But Graham Booth, the company’s property director, said things were now running to schedule.

He said: “We are delighted with our progress. The building is going up just as we planned and I know that the resulting store will be a great asset for Barrowford and the surrounding area.

“We already have strong links with the local community and we look forward to soon being able to serve them the very best food, drink and groceries from Lancashire and beyond.”

Barrowford councillor Christopher Jowett said he was looking forward to being able to see what the shop would look like.

He said: “I think it is brilliant that we are back on track and that it is going to be delivered to the residents of Barrowford on time.

“There has been anticipation in advance of the building going up. It is a bit of an eyesore at the moment and we just want things to be finished.

“The news that we are on schedule is brilliant.

“I understand how independent traders are a bit scared of Booths taking trade away but I do not think it will take people away from independent retailers.

“People who shop at independent shops will continue to do so and people who used to do their shopping outside of the town will not have to go so far to do it.”