A SUPERMARKET owner claims his bid to save a 'lifeline' town centre shop has been blocked by Co-op bosses.

But today the shop's owners said that a final decision has not yet been made on the move.

Mr Bob Whitehead said he was ready to snap up the Late Shop in Oswaldtwistle after it finished trading at the weekend.

Co-op chiefs closed the store, which employed two full time and 15 part time staff, because it was failing to make a profit.

East Lancashire family business Whitehead's own two stores in Great Harwood, one in Haslingden and one in Rishton.

Mr Whitehead said he wanted to buy the Late Shop and two empty neighbouring properties to develop another supermarket. He said: "We are always looking to expand and when we saw the Late Shop was closing, we went to have a look round. We know people in the area consider it a lifeline. But when we phoned the Co-op and said we owned supermarkets, they told us they would not sell to anyone in the same retail trade.

"The impression I got is they did not want to lose trade at the food market at the other end of town.

"I can't understand it, because the other shop is more than a mile away. People need a store in the other part of town."

Coun Peter Britcliffe, who campaigned to keep the Late Shop open, added: "I am doing all I can to assist Mr Whitehead, because it would be a boost for the economy of Union Road."

But Mark Craig, for United Norwest Co-operatives, said: "We can confirm we have had an informal inquiry and we are currently pursuing that, but it's too early to give a response."

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