BREAKING: Accrington dealt another blow as Morrisons set to close
The supermarket giant confirmed on Thursday afternoon rumours that the Eastgate store was one of 10 branches to close.
Stuart PikeRossendale Free Press Deputy Editor
Accrington's high street has been dealt another hammer blow after Morrisons became the latest chain store to pull out of the beleaguered town.
Morrisons told the Observer a consultation had begun with staff, but could not confirm at this stage how many staff have been affected.
A Morrisons spokesman said: "We have looked extremely carefully at whether the store can be turned around but unfortunately we cannot see a way of making it viable.
"We are therefore proposing its closure. We are consulting with colleagues and unions to reduce the risk of redundancies and we are looking at ways of redeploying colleagues around our business."
The minimum notice period for staff is believed to be at least 45 days.
The loss of Morrisons crowns a miserable New Year for the town's retail offer after Marks and Spencer and DIY chain Homebase both announced they were closing flagship stores in Accrington town centre.
Traders and shoppers alike have greeted the shock announcement by Marks and Spencer that it will be closing its Broadway store in May this year after 53 years of trading, with dismay.
Council bosses have called meetings with Arndale and M&S bosses in a bid to reverse the decision.
Homebase has confirmed it will be closing its store on Hyndburn Road on February 21.
It is unclear how many jobs will be affected by the closure of the store, one of around 80 outlets to close following trading difficulties.
However, discount retailer B&M offered some solace last week when it confirmed it would be moving into the vacant Homebase store.