TESCO wants to open a new store in Bolton, the supermarket giant has announced.

Bosses plan to open a “village supermarket” on the former Pennine Pets Factory site, off Lever Street in Little Lever. Before work starts to renovate the derelict site, Tesco will consult with the local community Matthew Magee, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: “A new store would offer our customers more choice in a modern and pleasant shopping environment whilst regenerating a derelict site. Over the next few months we will be talking to local residents, businesses and community groups.

“We want to make sure our investment benefits all of Little Lever, bringing more shopping choice and new jobs at this time of economic uncertainty.” Tesco says it is in advanced discussions with developer Ladson Group to regenerate the site.

If successful, it will create around 100 jobs, on top of the 49 staff already employed at the existing Tesco Metro in Market Street, who are all guaranteed jobs.

And Tesco chiefs have moved to calm the community’s fears by insisting the new store would be small and in keeping with the character of the village.

Local resident Paul Johnson, aged 65, of Coleridge Avenue, said: “It’s probably a good site for them to be building on, although any development of that size is going to generate opposition.

“Creating 100 jobs is really good, but it all seems a long way off so we will have to see what happens.

“Tesco have got to stick to their word and talk to local people about what they want to do.”

But Samantha Jenkins, aged 35, who lives in Countess Lane, said: “It wouldn’t be good for the area as a whole because a lot of businesses round there would lose trade.

“Tesco aren’t daft. They wouldn’t open a new store if it wasn’t going to be used, so I think people will like the convenience of having it on their doorsteps.”

And Mike Howarth, of R and J Howarth’s Jewellers in Market Street, said: “If Tesco erect a superstore in Little Lever, it will kill the village shops.

“I will do everything in my power to stop this development. They say they will create jobs. What about the jobs it will lose from other businesses?”

When rumours that Tesco was planning to build a new store in Little Lever first emerged in February, around 50 people attended a public meeting opposing the idea, saying it would damage other businesses and increase traffic.

Former ward councilllor Sean Hornby, who chaired the meeting, said: “Whilst welcoming Tesco’s wish to build a store in Little Lever, we should not be fooled by it or the spin which Tesco will put on how it will benefit the people. Little Lever’s roads are stretched to the limits already.”

Mr Hornby plans another public meeting to discuss the announcement. He added: “This application could have many benefits for Little Lever. However, done wrong it could be the nail in its coffin.”

The proposed store will incorporate sustainable features, such as a timber frame, rainwater harvesting and wind catchers.

Consultation will begin in the summer before a planning application is submitted. Tesco say the store will be primarily a food shop.