WORK is starting on transforming the site of a former fire station into a Co-op store.

Whitaker & Leach has been appointed to build the new premises, where Haworth Fire Station once stood.

Work is expected to take up to six months to complete.

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

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, that will deliver real benefits for the people of Haworth.”

Bradford-based Whitaker & Leach’s clients include Home Bargains and the NHS. Managing director, Robert Leach, said: “We are looking forward to partnering with Dalehead Properties to construct this new store.”