AN EXPANDING butchery chain is set to open a store in the centre of Burnley and create 20 new jobs.

Cut-price fresh meat retailer Crawshaws is currently refurbishing the former Evans clothing store, located at the corner of St James Street and Howe Walk.

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It follows the arrival of the Rotherham-based chain on the site of a former discount store in Railway Road, Blackburn.

Bosses say they are spending £250,000 in fitting out the premises, which is part of the Charter Walk shopping centre.

It follows the arrival of the Rotherham-based chain on the site of a former discount store in Railway Road, Blackburn and The new outlet is part of plans to create a network of 200 stores by 2022.

The firm’s chief executive, Noel Collett, one of the driving forces behind Lidl’s expansion in the UK, said he was looking forward he was excited about to his new business coming to Burnley.

He said: “We’re very excited to be opening our next store in The Charter Walk Shopping Centre. We have already created around 100 jobs in the north west over the last six months.

“Regardless of experience we are looking for people to be a part of an exciting and rapidly growing company and welcome those with a hunger for growth to get in touch.

“Around 85 per cent of our butchers are trained within the store, having come to us from a range of previous roles, and 70 per cent of our store managers are trained and promoted within the business.”

The company, which also operates in Bolton, has confirmed that Burnley will be their 19th store in the north west and 49th overall.

A spokesman said: “Although we have grown extensively over the years, our philosophy reflects our small beginnings. We are your trusted local butcher and delicatessen who pride themselves on providing top-quality products, excellent service and great value for money.”

Cllr Saeed Chaudhary, who represents Daneshouse with Stoneyholme, said: “This is great news for the people of Burnley. It is another service for shoppers and it is going to bring in more jobs.

“A little bit of competition is healthy for the town as it means residents will get better-quality service and food.”

The store is set to open at the beginning of August.