THE new manager of Burnley’s Charter Walk shopping centre said she is aiming to make it ‘the best in East Lancashire’.

Debbie Hernon has taken over the reins at the 85-store site in Market Promenade.

Mrs Hernon, from Bacup, has previously worked at Pendle Rise Shopping Centre in Nelson and was Rochdale’s town centre manager.

The former manager, Chris Gribben, has stepped down after 13-years of service.

Mrs Hernon said she has high hopes for the future, especially with Primark moving into the centre.

She said: “We don’t have a nailed down date yet but we hope if everything goes well, Primark would be ready for Spring 2018.

“I am really excited to be apart of this centre, it has some amazing businesses here.

“I’ve spoken to many of the tennants and they are all happy with how things are going, which is a great sign.

“We want to help build on this and help create as much growth as we can.

“Being from Bacup, Burnley is one of the bigger towns I have always looked towards and I am so happy to be working here and making a difference.”

Since 2015 announcement that Primark was heading to the town there has been speculation around the store's opening date.

Originally, the date had been scheduled for later this year but now it has been put back to Spring 2018.

Politicians and town hall officials worked closely with Addington Capita,the centre’s owner, on the deal, which will bring the popular clothes retailer to Burnley.

The new Primark store will be on Curzon Street, near to Next, in space which is currently occupied by Wilko.

The store houses big high street names such as GAME, Pandora, River Island, Thorntons and Virgin Media.

The site underwent a major revamp in 2011 which doubled the size of many of its stores.

Mrs Hernon said: “Burnley is a great town with a lot of good things going for it.

“The shopping centre provides lots of jobs for lots of people.

“Working with so many people and aiming to bring other big businesses here is something we should all look forward to.

“I’m very proud to be part of this shopping centre and I hope from my previous experience I will do well.”

Wilko will be staying in Burnley and has taken out a 10-year lease which will see the business relocate to 24 The Mall, Charter Walk.

Cllr Sue Graham, executive member for regeneration and economic development, said the addition of Primark would have a major impact on the town.