BOOK lovers have voiced their concerns after it was announced Waterstones in Blackburn is set to cease trading - but supporters hope another chapter will open in the near future.

Bosses at the national book retailer have confirmed that its discount store in The Mall, fronting King William Street, will be closing its doors from October 1 after nearly three years.

But the firm, which failed to reach a deal with its landlords to remain, has not ruled out a return to Blackburn if a suitable site can be found.

When Waterstones moved into the former Toyland outlet, in November 2013, it formed part of a wave of new smaller stores for the books giant.

And it represented the first specialist book seller for Blackburn since Bookland, formerly known as Seed and Garbutt, closed its Lord Square shop in 2004.

A Waterstones spokesman said: "Waterstones regrets to announce that, as a consequence of the landlord requesting the site back, it is obliged to close its shop in Blackburn

"The last day of trading will be on October 1. All booksellers will be redeployed to shops in the nearby area."

The company also stressed, via social media, that it hopes to return to the town in future in alternative premises.

A Mall spokesman said: "The Mall Blackburn is proud to have hosted Waterstone's since November 2013.

"But we have been unable to reach agreement on new terms for its lease.

"We are pleased to confirm, however, that Game will be expanding its presence at The Mall by occupying the store currently hosting Waterstones from early November. The Mall Blackburn is showing excellent momentum overall, with Greggs having also recently opened,"

Tony Duckworth, chairman of Blackburn Chamber of Trade, said: "We hope that this is not the end of the story for Waterstones in Blackburn and that they will be back trading again, in another location, before Christmas."

One shopper, Andrew Robinson, said on Twitter: "Sad to learn that @Waterstones in Blackburn is closing, one of the main reasons I bother going into town. Will probably become a pound store."