A MAJOR supermarket chain is being tipped to open on a site in Eagle Street, Accrington.
Hyndburn Council this week confirmed that it has been in talks with the site's owner about the development.
The land, formerly owned by Lancashire County Council, is currently empty after being used by Hyndburn Council as offices and a car park and by a training group.
Council leader Peter Britcliffe has seen early designs for the site but declined to name the company involved.
However, it is believed to be one of the big three players, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons, with Tesco thought to be the most likely candidate to challenge Asda's current monopoly in the town.
Councillor Britcliffe said: "What I can confirm is there have been talks between our planning department and the owner of the site regarding the possibility of the development of a large supermarket complex.
"These talks are at a very embryonic stage but it is one of the big supermarket chains that is interested in the site."
But Labour opposition leader Councillor Graham Jones sounded a warning about increased traffic.
He said: "Accrington is a market town and any development has to fit in with the current town centre if we are to keep our identity.
"Developments like this really need to be managed. We would have to work with the developer to try and get the best for the town.
"There will be a number of problems, such as traffic flow, that will need to be overcome. It may even be in a conservation area."
