THE Blackburn Rovers store in Blackburn town centre is set to close later this year after the club opted against renewing its lease.

The club has cited “changing fans’ purchasing habits” for the decision to close the Oneroverstore and Brew Room on Church Street.

The six-year association will come to an end in August.

Business leaders and council leaders have spoken of their disappointment at the decision but backed the town centre to recover.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss, said: “Obviously we’ll be disappointed to lose their presence in the town centre.

“I understand the financial pressures the clubs’s up against in the forthcoming season.

“As far as I am aware, I am not clear there is anybody that is to come in to the space. But given the vibrancy in that part of the town we are hopeful that we will get a good tennant.”

Tony Duckworth, Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade chairman, said: “It’s been good to see the Rovers represented in the town centre and I will be sad to see them go.

“It would have been nice to see them stay in the town centre.”

Blackburn Rovers director Mike Cheston said the decision was a commercial one.

He said: “While it has been great to have a presence in the town centre as it has enjoyed its fantastic regeneration, our fans’ purchasing habits have changed considerably in the six years we have been on-site.

“More and more supporters are taking advantage of the convenience of purchasing match tickets and retail products online.

“Consequently, the club has invested heavily in enhancing its websites, both the new e-ticketing system and the online retail store to fit around the fans’ changing behaviour and to make it easier to buy.

“For an in-store experience, the unlimited free parking and improved road system around the stadium make visiting the Roverstore at Ewood Park still by far the easiest and most popular method of browsing the great range of Rovers merchandise on offer.

“As a result of these changes, we believe that we will now be able to offer a more focused and efficient operation.”