Household goods retailer Wilkinson is being lined up to be a flagship store in Farnworth's redeveloped shopping precinct, it has been announced.

Cllr James Lord revealed the chain store was in talks over plans to move to the heart of the redevelopment, by Edinburgh based Ediston Properties.

Plans for the site, which will include development of part of the town's market, are expected to be submitted in the next few weeks and work could begin as early as September.

Cllr Lord told a Farnworth's local area forum meeting that an agreement with Wilkinson was close.

He said: "At long last, after 18 months of nothing being done, plans will be submitted for the redevelopment of the precinct in the next few weeks."

"The exact siting of the store hasn't been identified yet but it will be on part of the market site.

"The old market isn't being utilised to the full. There will still be an existing market with new stalls redeveloped to what we need. This is excellent news and it's a big coup to get this in Farnworth."

A Wilkinson spokesman said the firm remained in negotiation, but no deal had yet been signed.

He said: "Wilkinson has enjoyed some real success in the surrounding areas and feels sure that Farnworth would be a welcome addition to our current portfolio of stores."

As part of the first phase of work, carried out by previous owner Halladale in 2005, vacant units were demolished and replaced by three shops and four kiosks on Brackley Street within the precinct's open square.

However, the revamp ground to a halt amid talks over the sale of the lease.

Since buying the lease in 2005, Ediston has been in talks with the council about the designs for the development.

Businessman David Boardman opened a branch of Select Seconds in the precinct in February last year but has since raised concerns about the lack of customers.

He said: "A firm like Wilkinson is absolutely ideal for Farnworth. We've got to attract the locals and Wilkinson is the type of store which will do just that."