JOBS are set to be lost at a convenience store at motorway services after its parent company failed to find a buyer.

Food Retailer Operations Limited (FROL) has announced they have been unable to find a buyer for the 34 Budgens stores that were put into administration after they failed to secure a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).

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There is an affected branch of Budgens within Extra’s Blackburn Service Area close to Junction 4 of the M65 on the edge of both Blackburn and Darwen.

Nationally, 34 stores are set to close, with hundreds set to lose their jobs.

The Budgens store in Barrowford is not affected by the announcement because it has different owners who control another 100 stores.

The stores affected were previously owned by Co-operative and unions representing shop workers have said that firm was keen to help affected staff.

John Gorle, Usdaw national officer, said: “This is devastating news for the 800 staff affected.

"It was clearly the beginning of the end when a small number of landlords managed to narrowly block the CVA.

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Co-op about possible redeployment opportunities and we will explore all avenues to help members seek alternative employment.

"In the meantime our team of Usdaw reps and officials are providing the support, advice and representation our members need.”

Mike Denny, joint administrator at PwC, said: "Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a buyer and it is not commercially viable to continue trading the stores.

"We are working closely with the Co-op, USDAW and the relevant government agencies to ensure that all employees receive the maximum levels of practical and financial support through the redundancy process."

Other branded facilities at the Junction 4 services include McDonald’s, Costa, Greggs, Chopstix and Shell, together with a 48 bedroom modern Travelodge budget hotel.