A TOWN’s last remaining pet store will close a day before Christmas.

At least five people will lose their jobs at Pet Warehouse, on Oak Street, Oswaldtwistle, after the store shuts its doors to the public on Christmas Eve.

The 20-year-old store, which used to run stores in Accrington and Southport, was one of the biggest retailers of pet accessories in the North West.

Each store sold a wide range of pet products for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles and birds, including toys, beds, food and grooming products, and also offered advice to customers about their pet’s needs.

Owners Mark and Julie Bleasdale, whose family has been in the pet trade for over 100 years, have been forced to close the Oswaldtwistle store because of a lack of business in the area.

The company, which has also been forced to close its store in Southport, has introduced a closing down sale of 50 per cent off sale on everything in store in the lead up to the closure.

Manager Michelle Turner, 38, who lives in Langho and has worked at the store for more than 13 years, said: “I feel so sad.

“I do not know what I will do in the future. My time here has been amazing. We have so many wonderful customers who have brought all their pets in and I will miss them all.

“Sadly I think we are closing down because of a lack of business. I think people are shopping elsewhere and going online because they find it easier to do.”

Claire Ruddock, 30, who lives in Blackburn, and has worked at the store for more than seven years said: “It makes me very sad.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of customers and they do not know where they will go for advice or get what they need for their pets.

“I have always loved working with animals and you get to work with so many here.

“It has been one of the nicest places I have ever worked at and I’m going to miss it.”

Oswaldtwistle Cllr Glen Harrison, who has visited the store, said: “It’s another body blow for Oswaldtwistle.

“It’s a crying shame because we want our town to flourish but unfortunately if people do not do their shopping locally it damages the local economy.

“If you do not support local traders this is the horrible reality.”

Cllr Stewart Eaves, who represents the area, said: "It has been a fantastic amenity for people of Oswaldtwistle and now it has had to go and a lot of people will miss it. I just think it's a real shame."