CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue their fight against a late store opening in a pub close to their homes.

The move comes after bosses of United Co-operatives were granted a licence last week to open a shop in what is currently the Oaktree pub, Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

Earlier this year the company was refused planning permission to bulldoze the pub and build a store because of concerns over nuisance and traffic.

A fresh planning application to modify the inside and windows and doors has been submitted, and residents hope to stop the store at this point.

Under law the company does not require fresh planning permission as it has the premise licence, which enables it to sell alcohol and operate as a shop in the existing premises.

But a spokesman for United Co-operatives said the modifications applied for "would make the building presentable and secure."

John Taylor, who has led the campaign against the Co-op said he had hadbetween 50 and 60 phone calls after the licence had been granted.

"The community is totally upset at the very thought a development of this type," he added.

A Co-op store is due to open in the former Rocket Centre further down the road next month, and Mr Taylor said residents did not see why the company needed two stores.

"We have a difficult fight this time because they have gone back and done their home work."

He said they would be making representations when the application was heard by Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning comm-ittee next month.

Previously the company has said it believes the majority of people in the area would welcome a store. The Co-op has been in negotiations with the owners, Enterprise Inns.