THE company chosen to build Haworth’s new Co-op store has spoken of its delight to be taking on the project.

Whitaker & Leach – based in the West Bowling area of Bradford – has been appointed to construct the premises, on the site of the former Haworth Fire Station.

The firm – whose clients include Home Bargains, Next and the NHS – specialises in construction, refurbishment, demolition and bespoke joinery.

It expects construction of the new Co-op to take up to six months to complete.

Property developer Dalehead Properties was given planning permission for the store, which could create 20 permanent jobs, last December. The fire station had closed in 2014.

Robert Leach, managing director of Whitaker & Leach, said: “We are very much looking forward to partnering with Dalehead Properties to construct this new store.

“Being a proud Bradford company with more than 60 years’ experience, it’s great to be undertaking a commercial property development on our doorstep.”

David Brackenridge, for Dalehead Properties, said: “We have chosen Whitaker & Leach because they are a well-established local building contractor with experience in similar projects.

“We are confident they will deliver an excellent property. We look forward to working with them on this exciting project.”