FORTY jobs could be coming to Blackburn if discount store Lidl gets permission for a second store alongside one of the town’s main link roads.

Bosses from the discount supermarket chain revealed the employment boost as a formal planning application was submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council for the Fix Auto site, off Furthergate.

The Lancashire Telegraph confirmed last month that Lidl had identified the location, home to historic firm T Gillibrand, as its next East Lancashire venture.

It is understood that Fix Auto, which has traded from the site since 1859, originally as a blacksmith and wheelwright, is seeking alternative premises in the Blackburn area.

The blueprints have already been the subject of a public exhibition at Accrington Road Community Centre and agents for the applicant say they received positive feedback about their proposals, at the junction with St Clement Street.

Nick Harvey, the supermarket chain’s regional head of property, said: “We have received an incredible amount of support from the local community and are delighted to announce that we have submitted a planning application with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

“If granted this would mark a multi-million pound investment in the area, and the creation of new jobs when the store opens.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and feedback so far and look forward to receiving the decision in due course.”

The plans include a 1,104 square metre sales area and a large car park, with an in-store bakery and customer toilets also pencilled in.

If everything went according to plan, the company is hopeful that a decision will be made by the borough’s development control committee next spring.

Cllr Phil Riley, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said the development should bring more choice to the shoppers of Blackburn.

And Cllr Salim Sidat, who represents Audley and Queen’s Park ward, said: “It should be very good for the area.”

Lidl is hoping to open up 50 new stores during 2019. Six of their existing sites are in East Lancashire. Their outlet off Whalley Banks has been trading for more than 15 years. The firm has also been revamping some of its sites, with their Nelson store reopening at the end of May after a major overhaul.