A DATE for work to start on the new Booths supermarket in Barrowford has been announced.

The upmarket food retailer first unveiled plans to open a supermarket, in Halstead Lane, in 2006, with plans eventually being approved in 2008, despite objections from residents and independent shopkeepers.

But the scheme was hit by several delays and, in October last year, bosses at Booths had to submit a new planning application to accommodate changes to the means of delivery to the store.

That was approved recently, and now a spokesman for the store has confirmed that work will start on February 2, with the super-market expected to open later this year, creating around 70 full-time jobs.

When the new plans were submitted, a Booths spokesman said: “Booths propose for the deliveries to be serviced via the White Bear car park, instead of via Halstead Lane as in the consented scheme.

“This means that Halstead Lane will not need to be re-graded, and will result in less disruption to the local community.

“Booths deliveries take place in the morning, and therefore the local pub car park will not be affected.

“Other alterations to the building as a consequence of the changes to planning are minor.”

The new store will be on the site of Park Mill, and the former Pendle Brook House care home.

Booths already operate supermarkets in Clitheroe and Chorley, as well as 27 other stores across the north.