FOURTEEN jobs are to be created with the opening of a new frozen foods shop.

Heron Foods is due to open later in the year on the site of a former mill in Blackburn and will create seven part-time and seven full-time positions.

The application for the old mill in New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, which is due to undergo a £500,000 investment before opening, faced opposition when it was lodged. Owners of a nearby Spar objected to the plans saying it would harm their business.

Gary Newton, chartered building surveyor at Lea Hough who are working on behalf of the Heron Foods said: “Although the application wasn’t without its challenges, Blackburn with Darwen Council, along with the outcome of the Independent Retail Review, both showed clear support for the scheme.

“We are confident the right outcome has been reached and it is hoped that the construction of the store will spark further development and improvement works in the area.”