PLANS for a major discount store to open up in Bacup have been announced, bringing 28 new jobs to the town.

Homeware and brands giant B&M Bargains will take over the former Co-op premises based in Irwell Street and officially open on Thursday, November 11.

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Company bosses have confirmed that 15 of the former Co-op store workers will keep their jobs with an extra 28 created.

And although the new store’s opening has been welcomed by local councillor Peter Steen, he also appealed to people to shop locally.

He said: “I know that a lot of people are looking forward to the store opening and it is going to bring people into the town but I also feel that it will be a catch 22 for those in small business.

“Customers need to be reminded that the small local shops need business too.”

Concerns had previously been raised when Morrisons opened up a superstore there in 2013.

Cllr Steen said: “This is going to put a lot of pressure on small shops and they really are going to have to up their game.

“Traders are local people and they really do need the support to maintain steady business.”

B&M is one of the UK’s fastest-growing retailers and customers can expect to find a wide variety of branded including toys, food and drink, pet products and health and beauty.

The store is due to open its doors for the first time next month and is advertising for sales assistants, floor managers and cleaners. There are a mixture of full and part time positions available, both temporary and permanent.

A spokesman from B&M said: “We’re feeling really positive about the creation of new jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.

“We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome our new customers through the door in a few weeks.”