SUPERMARKET giant Tesco's plans to open a store on a rundown "grot-spot", creating 30 jobs, look set to be blocked by councillors.

Fears have been raised that plans for a Tesco Express store at the vacant former Oswald-twistle Fire Station site would be out of character with the area.

There are also concerns about a lack of customer parking, and "inadequate" access for delivery vehicles.

Officials at Hyndburn Council are recommending the Tesco application be refused at a meeting next week.

The state of the former fire station building and surrounding land, on the corner of Mill Hill and Union Road, has deteriorated rapidly since fire crews moved to the Hyndburn Road station in 2002.

In 2006 it was listed in the council's top 20 grot-spots.

Tesco wants to demolish the one-storey building, containing a large lounge area, an office, work room, two store rooms, a shower room and two toilets.

The dilapidated drill tower would also be torn down.

A small Tesco Express store, with car parking spaces, would be built in its place if the plans are approved.

It is thought the move would create up to 30 jobs.

But the authority has received six letters from residents objecting to the proposal.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: "The application is for a small Tesco Express about the size of a tennis court, designed to bring choice, quality, convenience and value for money, as well as more fresh food.

"We will wait to see what happens at the planning meeting."

It is the second application from Tesco the council will be considering in coming months.

Plans for a 8,599square metre store on the site of former council offices in Eagle Street, Accrington, have also been submitted.