MORE than a dozen jobs are set to be created when a new food store opens next week.

It is more than 12 months since McColl’s supermarket on Union Road, Oswaldtwistle shut its doors for the final time in February 2019.

And now Heron Foods has announced it will be taking over the former McColls site and will be opening on Thursday morning from 8am.

Heron Foods bosses say they have created 18 new full and part-time roles as part of the transformation of the vacant site.

A Heron Foods spokesman said: “We’re thrilled to be launching the store in this area and look forward to welcoming customers through the doors.

“All safety measures have been put in place to ensure maximum safety for all shoppers whilst in store.

“Oswaldtwistle will be a great location for us and we’re proud to be able to offer local people the best choice of goods at exceptionally low prices."

Sara Britcliffe, Hyndburn MP, campaigned as St Andrews ward councillor for something to be done with the vacant building since its closure more than 12 months ago.

She said: “I have campaigned to get that shop filled since McColls closed as it is in a good site.

“It will be very welcome in Oswaldtwistle and it will bring people to shop locally.

“It will be great for the local economy to get it up and running and a lot of elderly people used that shop so it will be good for them to have something locally.”

When the former McColl's site closed last year there were concerns about the effect it would have on local residents as the Post Office was based there. Since then another Post Office opened at Thrifties in the town to provide services to the community.

But Ms Britcliffe says she is still fighting to ensure there is enough post office facilities in the town.

She said: “There are post offices at either end of the town but I still will keep trying to get another one in the centre for elderly people to use.”

As part of their grand opening, Heron Foods bosses are asking residents to suggest which registered charity they would like them to donate £250 to as a gesture to the community.

A spokesman said: “The charity will be selected at random on the day of opening.”

Heron Foods – Oswaldtwistle will be open Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.