CUSTOMERS were left in shock after a popular central Burnley store suddenly closed without warning this week.

But regulars at the Spar, in Todmorden Road, have been told hopes are high that the premises will soon be reopened under new management.

People arriving at the shop on Tuesday were met with a forfeiture notice, informing them that the building had been reclaimed by bailiffs Parkinson, acting on behalf of landlords, Preston-based James Hall and Company Ltd.

Coun Lian Pate, who represents Brunshaw ward on Burnley Council, said: “My son goes to the nursery next door so I use this store virtually every day.

“It takes in parcel deliveries and it’s really popular so I was really surprised.

“Eventually I went to another Spar nearby but the first some of the delivery drivers heard about it was when they saw the notice in the window.

“But if they are planning to reopen then that is good news because it’s got the only cash machine for miles around and was well-used, especially by people who didn’t want to go into town.”

A Spar spokesman said: “At present, the Spar store is shut but with the hopes of reopening as soon as possible in order to continue serving the community.

S“We thank customers for their patience in the meantime.”

No-one from the company listed on the bailiff's notice, Rumspar Ltd, which was formerly based in Barnoldswick but is now registered to an address in County Durham, was available for comment last night over the closure.