RETAIL giant Argos is to close its Blackburn town centre store in The Mall.

However its staff have been offered alternative jobs in the company's other outlet on the Townsmoor Retail Park.

The decision, which follows a similar relocation in Burnley, was described by Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Phil Riley and borough traders' leader Tony Duckworth as 'disappointing'.

But both said the move was not unexpected after the chain was taken over in September by Sainsbury's, which has three stores in the borough.

An Argos spokeswoman said: "Our store in The Mall Blackburn closes on January20th,.

"All 14 employees will redeployed to neighbouring stores.

"The Argos outlet in the Townsmoor Retail Park is staying open.

"There are currently no plans to close it.

"Similarly there are no current plans to close the store in Blackburn Road, Accrington."

Cllr Riley said: "It is obviously disappointing when any major store in the borough closes.

"But it is obviously connected with the take-over by Sainsbury's and the rationalisation of the firm's property estate.

"Cleary it is good that all the staff are being redeployed within the company rather than made redundant."

Mr Duckworth, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "It is disappointing but not unexpected following the amalgamation with Sainsbury's.

"There is lot of activity at the Mall and a constant change in the mix of stores, so I am sure they will soon find another tenant for the unit."

Loraine Jones, general manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: "Following the merger between Sainsbury’s and Home Retail Group, Argos is reviewing and consolidating its store portfolio nationally and has notified us it will not be renewing its lease at The Mall Blackburn.

"Negotiations with Argos have been ongoing for some time and whilst disappointing this news it is not unexpected in context with the group’s property strategy.

"We are very excited about Wilko joining us this year, which will complement the recent lettings agreed with Burger King, Game, Costa Coffee and Krispy Kreme.”

The branch in Burnley's Market Square in the Charter Walk shopping centre also closes on January 20.

Its 12 staff have been offered alternative jobs in the company's other outlet on the Princess Way Retail Park or at Sainsbury’s in Active Way.

Sainsbury's have stores on Preston Old Road, Cherry Tree; on the Euro-Garages site on the Beehive Trading Park on Haslingden Road; and in Hardman Way in Darwen.

Argos also has an outlet at Boundary Mill in Colne.