THIRTY new jobs have been pledged as the former Boundary Mill premises in Colne are brought back into use as part of a major shopping complex.

B&M Bargains has announced it will be the latest tenant for the old department store, next to Asda’s Corporation Street store.

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Pets At Home created 22 new positions when it took up a unit closest to the supermarket, and Poundland are understood to have established a similar workforce in the adjoining space.

The latest development brings an end to four years of speculation over the former Boundary Mills site, with both B&M and Pets At Home mentioned as prospective tenants as early as February 2011.

Council leader Cllr Joe Cooney said: “It is good that another 30 jobs are being created in Colne and this shows that national chains are prepared to invest in the area.”

Laura Brooke, new store manager for B&M, said: “We are committed to recruiting from the local area and I am delighted we’ve found a great team from in and around Colne.

“We’re really proud to be creating 30 jobs across the town this year and playing our part in the local community.”

The company has invited supporters from Pendleside Hospice and promised £250 for the Reedley organisation as a vote of thanks, as well as a hosting a fundraiser on the opening day, Saturday, April 18.

Joanne Coates, of Pendleside Hospice, said: “We are very grateful and delighted to be selected for opening the new B&M store.

“Our volunteers will be in the store on Saturday bag packing and also promoting this year’s Pendleside car raffle.”

Controversy has greeted proposals to complete the wider overhaul of the Asda site, which could include a TK Maxx store.

Plans for a new Puregym development, next to the three new stores, will be debated at a meeting of the Colne area committee tonight.

Town centre traders in Colne were unhappy about complementary proposals to install up to four retail pods, for the likes of a beauty bar, photo centre or phone repair shop, which were rejected by councillors.

B&M Bargains has grown rapidly in recent years after being founded in Fleetwood and now has branches across East Lancashire.