DISCOUNT retail giant Wilko has revealed its new Blackburn store will employ more than 50 staff as progress towards a summer opening is well on track.

The firm has confirmed it has signed the detailed lease for its new 15,700 square foot sales floorspace outlet in The Mall shopping centre in the town centre.

The premises, formerly occupied by BHS, are in the process of being gutted prior to a major refit with main utilities being installed.

Recruiting is well under way for the new jobs - the same number employed by BHS in Blackburn before the national chain went under a year ago.

Wilko sells a wide range of hardware, homeware and garden products at competitive prices.

It will occupy the entire former BHS 25,000 square foot unit including office space, storage and staffing areas at competitive prices.

Anthony Houghton, retail director for Wilko, said: “We are delighted to have signed the lease on Blackburn High Street and can’t wait to open our doors later in the year.

“The new 15,700 sq ft store is expected to generate more than 50 new jobs within the local area with residents already keen to be a part of the Wilko team.

“Blackburn is a great town and moving to the area will provide strong opportunities for our business to grow alongside other popular high street retailers.

“The area attracts a high number of customers, making it a prime location for us.”

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “It is fabulous to see the town’s first Wilko store unfold before our eyes.

“The investment in The Mall and, in particular, the former BHS site, is a positive reflection of how well the town is being received on a national level and we are delighted to see the area being rejuvenated.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss, said: “The fact they are creating more than 50 jobs, the number we lost, is great news for local people.”