THE sisters behind a popular town centre cafe are moving on after six years.

In April 2013 Sonia and Sharone Harrison took on the premises of a former nightclub and pub in Blackburn’s King William Street.

They turned it into Liz n Lils promising to create a touch of continental licensed cafe culture.

Building owners Thwaites also invested in the venture at the former home of The Residence nightspot and The Grapes pub.

The Harrison sisters refurbished the interior of the premises, which had lain empty for 18 months, and created a traditional tearoom atmosphere featuring vintage antiques while creating a new contemporary bar area.

Now they are moving on to a new venture yet to be decided and Thwaites are seeking a new tenant for either a cafe or pub.

Sonia said: “It’s time for us to move on. We have a few irons in the fire for ourselves but nothing confirmed yet.

“We’ve had the cafe for six years and really enjoyed it.

“We’ve had a very successful time here and Thwaites have been wonderful landlord.

“I hope someone takes over and builds on the success we have had, especially with all that is going on with the regeneration of Blackburn town centre.”

Andrew Buchanan, Thwaites director of pubs, said: “Sadly our current tenants have decided to move on.

“They have done a great job in breathing new life into Liz n Lils and we wish them every success for the future.

“We are in discussions with a number of people who are interested in taking it over, either as a café or a pub. The business is still open.”

Tony Duckworth, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: “It's sad. I was an occasional customer of Liz n Lil’s and always enjoyed the hospitality they provided.

“I hope someone will take over the premises and build on the their success but I think they are a victim of the tardy re-opening of Northgate by Blackburn with Darwen Council.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Phil Riley said: “I am pleased that Sonia and Sharone have had a happy time in Blackburn town centre.

“I hope that everything the council is doing in the area, including the re-opening of Northgate and changes to the one-way system, will help new tenants to build on the sisters’ success."