NELSON'S Tesco superstore is to close, it has been announced.

Stunned staff at the supermarket, Leeds Road, were told the news today.

More than 100 staff work at the store, which only opened in February 2008.

Now it will be closed at the end of August.

Tesco bosses said they would be redeployed to other branches.

Apart from a Tesco Express in Colne, the nearest stores are in Burnley.

A new store is opening in Accrington later this year.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “They have been given a choice between relocation and redundancy.

"It’s terrible news for the workers, and for the regeneration of Nelson town centre.

“I have never heard of a Tesco closing like this before.

"You usually expect them to open stores.

"It always seemed busy when I went in there.

"With all the investment going on in the town centre I asked them to reconsider, but at the end of the day this is their decision and there is nothing we can do about it.”

A Tesco spokesman said it was a difficult decision, adding: "Tesco is creating 2,000 jobs across the north west this year and we will be working with those staff affected to offer them alternative employment with us.

"We apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause to our customers.

"We hope that they will continue to shop with us at other Tesco stores in the area."