Big name stores are queueing up to move to Chorley but can't find premises big enough, according to a study.

In 2004, 16 businesses expressed an interest in moving to the town although at the moment there is little scope for development.

All that could change if moves to develop the east side of the Flat Iron car park get the go ahead.

Retailers expressing an interest in Chorley are seeking up to 4.860 sq metres of floorspace but were unable to move in because much of the town's current provision is the wrong size for modern retailers, the report found. The study by the North West Regional Assembly also identified that 9.7 per cent of the town's business units were vacant, below the national average of 10.3 per cent.

The report states: "retail provision in Chorley differs considerably from a typical town centre comprising predominantly of small specialist shops.

"Vacancies within the centre have significantly declined in recent years and commercial yields have remained relatively strong.

"The council is actively encouraging and assisting property refurbishment and redevelopment."

The Citizen revealed last month that excavations have taken place on the Flat Iron to explore whether the ground would be suitable for long-term development.

Steve McKevitt, on behalf of RREEF which owns Market Walk shopping centre, said: "This is in a very early stage and there are many hurdles to cross, but we believe there is scope for further retail development in Chorley."

Jose Hampson, from Chorley Chamber of Trade, said: "Attracting large high street names to Chorley would be a real boost for the town.

"We live in a growing, relatively prosperous town and we need to encourage people from here who travel elsewhere to do their shopping here."