THE decision by a retail giant to open up shop in Accrington has been welcomed.

Sports Direct will open in the former JJB Sports store in Market Square and has already started advertising for staff.

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Council leader Miles Parkinson said: “This is positive news compared to some businesses which are unfortunately leaving the town centre.

“Each individual retailer will look at Accrington and decide using their business acumen whether to invest or not, and some are being successful while others are not.

“We welcome Sports Direct taking over the former JJB Sports store and bringing its retail offering to Accrington.”

Sports Direct, which was founded by Newcastle United’s multi-millionaire owner Mike Ashley, bought the JJB Sports brand, website, and 20 of its stores after it went bankrupt in 2012.

A spokeswoman yesterday confirmed the store was opening, but said no opening date had been set.

Cllr Parkinson said: “One of the most important things, whether it’s retail or manufacturing or whatever else, is jobs being created.”

Sports Direct is believed to have already hired a store manager, and is currently recruiting a casual sales assistant on a zero-hours contract, according to its website.

The advert, which said the successful application would be paid £6.50 an hour, said: “This role has no guaranteed hours of work. Hours of work can therefore vary from week to week and, as a result, there may be weeks when no hours of work are offered.”

Michael Whewell, from the Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said: “In fairness, I think that’s the norm for Sports Direct, which is not the best but it is creating employment.

“Zero hours contracts are not favoured but Sports Direct will need staff to work there.

“There’s something in Accrington that has inspired Sports Direct to open, so let’s hope other retailers see that and jump on board.

“I think this is excellent news bearing in mind we have had some recent closures.”Marks & Spencer, Homebase, and Morrisons all announced this month they are leaving the town to the dismay of shoppers and councillors alike.