DISCOUNT shopping group TJ Hughes will create 75 new jobs when it opens its new department store in Burnley, the company has announced.

The 36,000 sq ft purpose-built store will be a major feature of the town centre's £12.5 million Curzon Street development and aims to open its doors in autumn 1999.

It will have escalator access to two floors of selling space and a direct link to both the market and adjoining new car park.

Market traders have already expressed alarm that Hughes is coming to Burnley - posing what they see as direct competition to traditional market stall goods.

Hughes says it will stock the full range of ladies', men's and children's wear, shoes, fashion accessories, cosmetics, fragrances, furnishings, linens, housewares, electrical goods, gardening products and toys. A market stallholders' spokesman said: "It is like creating a second market under one roof and will do untold harm to us."

The Liverpool-based company, which already has 18 major outlets, mainly in the North, says it is delighted to be coming to Burnley.

"Burnley is right in our heartland and we are delighted with the new store in such a strong location," said managing director George Foster.

Town Centre developers say another multi-brand store, Wilkinson's, will also be coming to Burnley as part of the major shops and car parking scheme, due to get under way in the spring.

Hughes recently announced record half year results - with a 13 per cent rise in turnover and a doubling of per tax profits.

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