A CARAVAN showroom in Blackburn which was taken over and given a £100,000 refurbishment two years ago closes today (Friday).

Campbells Caravans is closing its Whitebirk Industrial Estate site and centralising operations at its main Lostock Hall, Preston, base.

The firm took over the former Read Caravans on Croft Head Road in April 2017.

It spent £100,000 on a complete renovation of the offices, shop and showroom as well as substantial extensions to the existing buildings..

The showroom also has a dispatch centre, where all caravans which leave the forecourt are tested to ensure all aspects are fully functioning and to educate the new owners how to operate and maintain their caravan.

It initially employed 25 staff in Blackburn across its sales, dispatch and servicing teams.

The showroom are included a large awning department on the mezzanine floor and an extensive shop selling caravanning accessories from crockery and glassware to doormats and jacks.

The family owned business, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, put on its website: “Exciting News! All of our motorhomes are relocating to the recently extended dealership at Lostock Hall, Preston as of the 27th April 2019.”

Director Daniel Campbell declined to comment other than to confirm Friday’s closure of the Blackburn showroom.

It is understood not to have done as well as the firm had expected with the problems over Brexit causing a decline in camper van sales.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s regeneration boss, said: “It is always sad when a business in the borough closes but market conditions change. I hope the company can find positions for the 25 staff affected in Blackburn.

Cllr John Slater, leader of the council Conservative group, said: “It’s always sad when a business closes especially when it involved possible job losses. The firm will have done it for business reason but it’s another blow to the borough.”

The firm sells new and used caravans and motorhomes to customers across Lancashire and West Yorkshire.