ACCRINGTON town centre has been given a massive boost after it was announced that two major national chains are to open in the town.

JD Wetherspoon is to open a pub at the former Regency Bar in Church Street with a £1.4million investment, creating 40 local jobs.

And cafe giant Costa Coffee is to take up the former Officers Club site at the Broadway entrance to the Arndale Centre, creating six jobs.

Both projects are in the early stages but could open within weeks.

The news has been welcomed as a ‘major boost’ for the town.

Just last year an investigation by the Lancashire Telegraph found that there were 34 unoccupied shops in the town centre.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “This could be the turning point for Accrington’s town centre.

“It is massive news that these two huge chains are coming to town and I am sure that everyone will be pleased to hear it, shoppers and traders.

“I would like to think that this is a result of the investment we as a council have made in recent times at Broadway and at the Market Hall.

“Rumours of JD Wetherspoon coming to Accrington had been circulating for weeks.

“It’s a first class organisation, provides food and would be a welcome boost to the economy.”

Concerns had been raised about the former Regency pub after it closed, with metal sheeting put up making it ‘an eyesore’.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said: “We are pleased to have purchased The Regency in Accrington.

“We have been keen to open a pub in the town for many years and it is good news that we can now press ahead with this.

“We have enjoyed great success in the region, particularly The Postal Order in Blackburn, and believe people will welcome the fact that a new Wetherspoon pub is to open in Accrington.”

A spokesman for Costa said: “We can confirm that we will be opening a new Costa store in Accrington. We are looking to open our doors in May and we will employ around six staff from the local area.”