A SIX-YEAR battle to build a supermarket in Bacup has come to an end as building work is scheduled to commence at the end of May.

retail giants Morrisons have been looking to build a £7million supermarket on the site of the former Horace’s nightclub since late 2006.

But the deal hit a stumbling block when it was revealed the Co-op held a protective covenant stopping another major retailer from using the land off Lee Street and Gas Street.

Council chiefs were forced to step in and use their compulsory purchase powers to buy the land, remove the covenant and sell it on to Morrisons.

Paul Nolan a chartered surveyor working on behalf of Morrisons said: “After a long wait, we should finally be looking at starting the build towards the end of May.”

Rossendale Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Coun Andy MacNae said: “News that a new super-market will be built on the site of the old Horaces night-club at the end of May is great news for Bacup.

“Over recent months we have been hearing about a lot of things happening in Rawtenstall, especially with the demolition of the Valley Centre.

"But there is a lot of working going on behind the scene in Bacup.”

Morrisons has planning permission for a 2,020 sq metre store, which will create around 110 jobs.