A NATIONAL retailer’s decision to open a new store in the centre of Burnley has been welcomed by the council leader.

Wales-based fashion chain Peacocks will open the store in the Charter Walk Shopping Centre on Thursday.

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Coun Mark Townsend said the move showed the level of confidence that businesses had in the future of the town centre.

The new shop comes after plans were announced for a new nine-screen cinema and more space for restaurants and retail shops in the area.

Coun Townsend said the revamp of the centre would bring help develop a ‘mixed economy’ for the town.

The store will join 450 others across the UK and is one of 50 new shops to be opened by the company this year. The business was founded by Albert Peacock in 1884 and was bought by the Edinburgh Woollen Mill group in 2012.

Coun Townsend said: “I’m delighted and it’s a clear sign of the confidence that companies have in Burnley.

“I hope this is the start of things to come and it shows that people think the town centre is a great place to come. We are trying to evolve the town centre and I think that this move is an important part of that project.

“Despite all the other changes going on, retail is still a very important part of the town and will continue to be so.”

Shopper Gill Mathews, 40, of Lyndhurst Road, said: “I think that it’s great that big shops are choosing to come to Burnley.

“Too many town centres have shops closing down all over the place but it seems like Burnley is starting to buck that particular trend.

“I hope that this is the start of more things to come.”

Ryan Barlow, 25, of Piccadilly Road, said: “Anything that will keep people coming to the town centre is a good thing.

“Shops which sell things at lower prices are also good for the town as not everyone can always afford to go to the more up-market shops.

“It would be good if the shop stays here for a while and helps to support and add to the town and help bring in some money.”