PROBLEMS caused by the opening of a new Tesco superstore to Padiham’s economy are to be offsetted by a new town centre manager.

Burnley Council’s Executive has agreed to an operational budget of £50,000, that will see a town centre manager put in post from May this year.

The post has been made available after Tesco appealed and overturned the council’s decision to reject their store proposals in March 2010.

As part of their planning agreement Tesco has had to provide £100,000 section 106 funding which will now be used to pay for the new manager.

The new manager will work 25 hours a week on a fixed term contract until March 31 2014.

Burnley Council Leader, Coun Charlie Briggs said: “This is brilliant news for Padiham quite frankly and something Burnley Council has been working towards for a long time.

“The full remit of the post has yet to be drawn up but I would say an essential part of the job will be to protect the high street, improve visitor numbers and increase occupancy rates.

“I hope whoever get this post gives it their everything and once again makes Padiham the thriving little town it once was.”

Padiham’s new £6million Tesco superstore is expected to open in October.

The demolition of the 24 buildings making way for the new store on land adjacent to Wyre Street, Lune Street, and Ribble Street has begun.

Eric Wright Construction is undertaking the work. expected to take 36 weeks.

Superstore bosses say the store will create 250 full and part-time jobs.

Burnley councillors rejected the proposals in March 2010 following protests from traders. Tesco appealed and won.