THE CO-OPERATIVE banner will return to Burnley and Pendle with a new name and major improvements to CRS foodstores in the area.

Co-operative Pioneer will become the banner for Leo's supermarkets in Barnoldswick and Padiham, and the Pioneer store in Burnley town centre.

And the owners, Co-operative retail Services, are about to announce major new plans to develop their Living Store departmental outlet in Burnley's Market Square - scotching long-running rumours that the Co-op was set to move out of the major two-storey centre to make way for a famous-name retailer. The foodstores development is part of a £15 million campaign by CRS to transform its image and "re-invent" the face of co-op retailing.

The programme will be tackled in two waves - immediate external upgrading followed by a series of internal facelifts at the stores.

CRS chiefs say there will be no change in style, and the main thrust is to reinforce the Co-op's message of good value.

A spokesman said plans for the Living Store had yet to be finalised and would probably take effect next year.

CRS pulled out of all food outlets in Nelson, Colne and Brierfield, and the Leo's store in Burnley, once the major supermarket in town, became a Pioneer cut-price store.

CRS is the largest independent co-operative society in the UK and says it is very excited about the latest developments.

Burnley Pioneer store manager Malcolm Mottershead said he was delighted that CRS stores would be recognised under one name, offering high quality.

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