THE public inquiry into Ribble Valley Council's refusal to give planning permission for a Homebase store in Clitheroe ended yesterday.

Citypark Projects Ltd, who are behind the proposed development on the junction of Wilkin Bridge and Highfield Road, claim it would boost the town's economy.

They said it would bring in £25million of expenditure on DIY goods into Clitheroe compared to the £7million currently being spent.

The council arged that a Homebase store would not fit the role of a DIY store because it sold household goods alongside DIY products and that the site would hit local retailers by up to 10 per cent in sales.

A decision over Citypark Projects' appeal against the decision will be made in the coming months.