COMPANY bosses and council chiefs have pulled off a deal aimed at safeguarding scores of jobs following hours of secret negotiations.

Furniture makers Lupton Brothers have been granted planning permission to demolish their Victorian premises in Accrington.

Luptons were also given permission to develop the existing site for retail use and the company now hopes to move to modern new premises in Altham.

Developers are now expected to move into the large site near Hyndburn Road in Accrington.

Luptons wanted to move out of the crumbling mill in Fountain Street because the high overheads were crippling the company's business.

Councillors initially refused to give planning permission which would open the door for property developers and potential buyers.

Town hall bosses were worried shops on the outskirts of Accrington would badly affect town centre trade.

Hyndburn's development services committee has now given the Luptons outline planning permission to develop their current site on condition the firm relocates its operation in Hyndburn.

Luptons wants to move its 70 strong workforce to a unit at Altham industrial estate.

Managing director David Knight said: "A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes but we are delighted the situation has been resolved.

"We have been approached by three or four people who want to redevelop the site but it would not be fair to reveal any more at the moment.

"Hopefully this move to modern premises will mean we can now turn our attention to expanding our business."

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