TRADERS are at odds with their member of parliament over plans for a new supermarket.

Rossendale MP Janet Anderson is backing plans for a supermarket in Bacup but traders are strongly opposed to the proposal.

Mrs Anderson, who sits on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops, said her experience with a similar plan for an area of Darwen, also in her constituency, has led her to believe more people will be brought into the area, boosting the economy.

But traders have collected a 46-signature petition to fight the plans, which are earmarked to replace the decaying former Horace's Nightclub, which fronts on to Lee Street, and a council-owned workshop on Henrietta Street.

Mrs Anderson said: "Traders in Darwen did not want the new supermarket as they thought it would affect trade but actually the reverse happened.

"It brought people into the town and I think that it would be the same for Bacup and people that I talk to about it want it.

"There is room for a quality supermarket there and I think it should be encouraged."

Gary Rayner, owner of Just Wot U Need, in Union Street, organised the petition. He said this sort of development can ruin a small town centre.

He said the Bacup Co-op was only about 50 yards from the site and there are a further six supermarkets within a seven-mile radius.

He is also concerned about the position of the planned supermarket, which is at the entry to Bacup from the Rawtenstall area. He fears visitors will not venture further into the town.

He said: "Every trade is covered by independent shops in the town and I don't think the size of Bacup warrants two supermarkets.

"The traffic is already congested so what would it be like with another supermarket?

"If the argument is put forward that more jobs will be created, then how many will be lost?

"I am estimating that my turnover will go down by 20 to 30 per cent."

The plans also include the refurbishment of a two-storey office building attached to the health centre.

Paul McCann, the developer behind the plans, said he was still in talks regarding who would be taking over the site.

The planning application will be decided at the Rossendale Council Development Control committee meeting, to be held at 6.30pm tomorrow at Hardmans Mill, Rawtenstall.