ARMY recruitment offices across East Lancashire are closing – but senior officers insist they still consider the six boroughs an important territory.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed last year that Burnley’s recruiting office, in Yorkshire Street, was set to shut, despite concerns expressed by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson.

But it has now emerged that the Blackburn office, in Church Street, is also set to be phased out, as army careers chiefs try to attract new recruits online.

Raw recruits will now have to travel to the army office in Fishergate, Preston, if they wish to find out more about military service face-to-face.

Lt Col Leanda Pitt, the commander for regional recruiting, said: “Army recruiting teams have been examining the way recruiting is done to make sure it is more efficient and effective.

“Although some offices are closing, we are stepping up our online presence to meet the demands of young recruits who are increasingly likely to use their smart phone or tablet device to contact us.

“The Army is still recruiting in Lancashire and there are jobs available now.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in knowing more to visit our website – www.army.mod.uk – or our careers office in Preston which will remain open.”

The Burnley office is scheduled to close on January 31 and the Blackburn office will shut on February 14, it has been confirmed.

Last year the Ministry of Defence announced that the size of the regular Army would be reduced from 102,000 to 82,000.

But the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment escaped the brunt of the cuts and should be safe for at least another decade.