DEMOLITION of 24 buildings to make way for a new £6million Tesco store in Padiham has started.

Eric Wright Construction has begun work on land adjacent to Wyre Street, Lune Street, and Ribble Street.

Construction is due to take 36 weeks, with the new store opening in September, creating 250 full and part-time jobs.

Burnley councillors rejected the proposals in March 2010 following protests from traders. Tesco appealed and won.