A NEW discount superstore is set to open its doors next Wednesday, the Lancashire Telegraph can reveal.

Contractors are currently putting the finishing touches to Jack's, in Rawtenstall, ahead of the launch.

The opening hours at the Bury Road premises will be from 8am to 10pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

The outlet represents a bid by Tesco, which operated one of its mid-range stores there until January 13, to crack the cost-conscious market, amid increasing competition from the likes of Aldi and Lidl, which each have a presence within a stone's throw of the site.

Borough council bosses stepped in when Tesco announced their Rawtenstall supermarket was being wound down, with 171 jobs being placed in jeopardy.

Extra assistance was offered by the local authority, in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions, to offer employment advice and support for those involved.

Cllr Steve Hughes, who represents Longholme ward in the town on Rossendale Council, said: "I am pleased Jack's will be opening next week and will be interested to see what products will be on offer there.

"It was disappointing though when Tesco announced they were closing their store as there were so many members of staff affected locally."

The supermarket giant has harked back to their founding father, Jack Cohen, in establishing their new venture, which is being advanced in nine locations which were once home to Tesco stores.

Cohen founded his first-ever store in Hackney, East London, using his demob money, after being discharged from the Royal Flying Corps following the First World War.

A Jack's spokesman said: "We have a no fuss approach with a simplified range of products, no fancy fixtures or fittings, and no added extras, just good great-tasting quality products at low prices."

The pharmacy on-site, and nearby cash points, have remained open, during the refit for the main building, and Tesco has also retained control of the adjacent petrol station.