The Burton and Dorothy Perkins stores in Blackburn's Mall are set to close next month.

The male and female clothing shops, which are in a combined unit in the Cobden Court area of the shopping centre, will shut when its lease expires.

Mall bosses said that owners Arcadia, which also operates Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topshop and Outfit stores, had decided not to renew its current lease.

But they suggested the brands might still have a presence in the centre within the BHS store off Market Way and Victoria Court.

Owners Arcadia last year announced up to 300 Dorothy Perkins and Burtons shops will close nationwide over three years.

Andrew Haughey, retail asset manager for The Mall Blackburn, said: “We can confirm that Burton/Dorothy Perkins will be leaving their stand-alone unit at The Mall Blackburn as the retailer has elected not to renew its lease that expires next month.

“However, we understand that the Dorothy Perkins and Burton brands may be incorporated into the existing BHS store at The Mall, and with continued strong interest being shown in the centre, we look forward to announcing new names in the near future.”

Arcadia declined to comment on the closure.

The move follows Arcadia's decision to close its Evans store in The Mall in February this year, despite protests and a petition of opposition from loyal customers after its contract ended.

The retail giant also then declined to comment on the reason behind the closure.

Evans was replaced with a British Heart Foundation charity shop.