A Co-op store in East Lancashire is set to close after being sold to another supermarket chain.

The supermarket, on Blackburn Road in Darwen, has been purchased by another supermarket chain, Nisa.

The store, which is currently the only Co-op in Darwen, is set to reopen as a Nisa store in January 2023.

Co-op say the decision to sell the store was taken “after careful consideration” and isn’t a reflection on the staff.

They have made safeguarding jobs at the store “a priority”.

The retailer will have access to a range of Co-op products and items.

A Co-op spokesperson said: “Co-op regularly reviews its locations, like all retailers.

“The decision to sell any store is only taken after careful consideration and the sale of our Blackburn Road store is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment of colleagues, who have been informed.

“A priority has been to safeguard jobs and fully support colleagues who will transfer under Tansfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations to the new operator.

“The store will be operated by an independent Nisa retailer, who will have access to Co-op’s range of everyday essentials and family favourites and, will continue serve the community conveniently.

“We would like to thank the community for its support of the store.”

The Co-op bought Nisa in May 2018, which is why many shops with the Nisa brand continue to stock Co-op items.

In June 2022, an armed robbery took place at the shop and last month Alec Harris, 27, was jailed for two years, eight months, over the incident.