MORE than 2,000 shoppers have backed a plan to build a new supermarket in Great Harwood, according to supporters of the scheme.

People in the town have signed a petition to the council asking for plans for a new 18,000sq ft Safeway store to be rubber-stamped.

The petition is the brainchild of residents at Netherton House sheltered accommodation in Clayton Street, who are calling for a new supermart in the town. Warden Marlene Hadcroft joined one of the residents on a six-week door-to-door crusade to collect signatures from townsfolk supporting the retail chain's bid.

They claim the store would be a boon for shoppers in Great Harwood as well as providing more than 100 jobs.

And they have dismissed claims from opponents that the shop would cause traffic chaos and put smaller stores out of business.

The plans have also brought opposition from some people who are protesting against proposals to relocate a day nursery and library as part of the scheme. Marlene has already spoken to local councillors about the plans and wrote to Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who was due to meet Safeway bosses at the proposed site today.

Residents will hand the form in to council planning chiefs next Wednesday.

She said: "Our residents in the flats strongly support Safeway and it's obvious a lot of people in the town do, too.

"Great Harwood is a dying town. Shops are closing down, but this would bring more choice for customers.

"We have two small supermarkets, but if we had a prominent store it would attract more people to the town centre.

"I've spoken to people on the outskirts of town who say they drive to Accrington or Blackburn to do their shopping.

"But they have told me they will come into Great Harwood to shop at Safeway and also go to other shops like the chemist and shoe repairer." "The residents here are all over 60 and they find it hard to travel long distances. But this store would be perfect, because a lot of them could just walk there.

"They live in these flats to retain some independence and this would be good for them."

"I have promised our oldest lady, who is 95, that I will take her out in a wheelchair if the store is built, help her do her shopping and buy her a cup of coffee.

"I don't believe there will be traffic jams, because factories like Oxo and Priestley's shoes have closed and there aren't many wagons go through here any more.

"There weren't many people who wouldn't sign the petition and we just hope the powers that be listen to what's being said."

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