Marks & Spencer has recently announced the store is set to leave Blackburn town centre for a retail park.

The new location is said to be state-of-the-art and is being built by Blackburn's billionaire Issa brothers.

They are planning to create a larger store with a food hall and a wider range of products in Frontier Park, on the outskirts of Blackburn.

It is yet to be announced when the current store, which has been open in King William Street since the 1980s, will close.

Many readers have feared that this will be a huge blow to Blackburn town centre.

READ: Marks & Spencer to quit Blackburn town centre for Issa brothers retail park

One reader said: “Farewell… this is by far the final nail in the coffin, and I would go so far as to say the death of the town centre.

“Combined with the closure of Debenhams and Wilkos, and coupled with increased dependency on internet shopping, the existing M&S store is one of the last stalwart key attractors to the town centre.

“Albeit, unnoticeable to the many, just wait, the knock-on effects caused by its relocation will bring noticeable reductions in footfall heading to the town centre area, which itself affects nearby businesses, leading to closure and loss of place-making activation.”

Another reader, Jonathan Budgie, said: “With Wilko recently gone, M&S will be a huge loss to Blackburn town centre taking lots of trade with it.”

However, another reader commented: “Smart move - parking is free at retail parks so footfall can be higher. If they made town centre parking cheaper maybe people would visit more.”

Richard Crossley said: “The council should put on a free bus service to the retail park and back, either that or negotiate the rent to a much lower amount to make it feasible to stay.”

Andy Newton wrote: “I think it was only a matter of time to be honest. The writing is on the wall for M&S on the clothing side anyway.

“No doubt it'll be just a food hall.

“It seems to be the part of the business that is still making any money.”

Outside M&S on Friday afternoon, shoppers gave their views on the news of the relocation. 

One woman said: "It is surprising and a bit sad. I’ve been shopping here for years as it’s a staple in the town centre.”

Another said: "It's not just a store, it’s like part of the community, and I’ll miss the convenience of having it right in the town centre.”

A woman said: “It draws a lot of foot traffic into the centre so now other stores may feel the ripple effect, especially after Wilko closing. I hope new local businesses can fill the void though. Change is inevitable but it is always challenging.”

A man said: "It will be interesting to see how the town centre evolves as I don’t really visit M&S much anyway. Hopefully it will bring something new and vibrant in its place.”

Regional manager for M&S, Ben Heaps said: “We’re excited to announce our proposals to open a brand-new M&S Foodhall in Blackburn at Frontier Park retail park, which would offer local customers a much wider range of M&S Food products.

“The new fresh market-style Foodhall would offer shoppers a range of new features including displays of great quality, trusted value produce from M&S Select Farms, and a show-stopping new M&S Bakery offering fresh daily-baked breads and pastries.

“With the lease on our current Blackburn store expiring in the next few years, we have been looking for a new local location with the right space to offer shoppers the very best of M&S.”

Mr Heaps also assured that staff would be able to transfer to the new store and that the jobs of the employees at the current store will not be threatened.

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Phil Riley said: “Marks & Spencer have been such a brilliant part of Blackburn town centre for as long as people can remember.

“Sadly, changes to how retail operates is something that we have to accept.

“This is not a surprise as we knew it was under discussion at senior levels in Marks & Spencer, but we’ve always hoped for the best about keeping a large store - and I know the Blackburn team did too.”

Frontier Park is currently home to several businesses including a Hampton by Hilton hotel, Starbucks, Cinnabon and KFC.