ONE of Blackburn most famous businesses could be with a winding up order after a supplier claimed it has not been paid.

However, Marilyn Rigby, owner of Tommy Ball's shoe shop, claimed the matter has now been resolved and the company, based in Hart Street, will continue trading.

L J & R Footwear Ltd issued a petition in the High Court to compulsory wind up Tommy Ball Supplies Ltd alleging it was a creditor of the company.

The firm based in Bacup Road, Waterfoot, has appointed solicitors Ison Harrison and Co to take up its case.

A winding up hearing is scheduled to take place in December at Leeds High Court.

A spokesman for the central index office for winding up petitions, at the Royal Courts of Justice confirmed: "The petitioner is L J & R Footwear."

Tommy Ball set up the company in the 1950s and it quickly became a favourite for parents on a tight budget who wanted to buy shoes for their children.

In its hey day the firm was well know throughout the country and attracted coach parties.

Mr Ball sold the company in the 1980s to former managing directors Graham Threlfall and Joan Piper.

Mrs Rigby and her husband Paul bought Tommy Ball's in 2004 and re-launched the company selling more up-market products.

About 20 staff are still employed at Tommy Ball's.

Mrs Rigby, who also owns Byrom supplies builder's merchants, Chapel Street, said the legal action was prompted by a dispute over an order.

She said: "We weren't happy with it and we withheld payment from them.

"It was not a big problem. It has all been sorted now and the hearing will not be going ahead."

Nobody from L J & R was available to comment.