RESIDENTS in Barnoldswick have voted against proposals for a controversial supermarket in the town.

The poll took place on Thursday to give residents a chance to have their say about a new supermarket at The Butts.

Some 395 votes were counted, of which 303 were no and 91 yes, with one spoiled ballot paper.

But critics of the poll have branded it an 'expensive folly'.

The result will not be binding on Pendle councillors when the application is discussed in the next few weeks.

The supermarket plans are being put forward by developers Maple Grove, but Barnoldswick Town Council has signalled its opposition to the proposals, which have been lodged with Pendle Borough Council.

Some residents say the supermarket is not in the right location and that the roads are too narrow for lorries to travel down.

Town councillor Jenny Purcell said: "The people of this town have exercised their democratic right to vote and they don't want this supermarket.

"People are not against a supermarket, in the right location, but this is slap bang in the wrong place.

"The electorate have turned around and told Pendle council planners, and the West Craven committee, their views on this.

"The fact is that this is a conservation area and we do not need a supermarket there. If we get one then we are going to be a ghost town."

Last week the Preston-based developers unveiled revised plans for the supermarket development, including reducing the size of the proposed store by a one-sixth.

Bosses also intend to widen access via The Butts and alter delivery arrangements off Calf Hall Road, and restrict the hours wagons can arrive there.

The vote was carried out between 4pm and 9pm and various polling stations were used including St Joseph's Parish Centre, Gisburn Road school annexe, Coates Community Centre, the Independent Methodist Church Sunday School and the Rainhall Centre.