WORK is underway to overhaul the former Greenwood’s store in Blackburn Mall.

Hoardings have been erected around the old clothing retailer’s premises along Spring Hill.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands a new tenant has been identified for the location.

But shopping centre bosses were remaining tight-lipped last night on the identity of the potential new operator.

The development comes after it was announced that Topshop and Topman, further along the same parade, are set to close on March 28, as part of moves which have also seen their Bolton store earmarked for the axe.

The retailers are both part of the Arcadia Group, also including Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge and Wallis.

Staff are said to have been offered alternative employment opportunities elsewhere.

Their Burnley store, in St James Street, has been unaffected. Meanwhile Thorntons has confirmed that it will be shutting its outlet in Blackburn Mall on Saturday.

Customers are being referred instead to their shops in Bolton and Oldham as a closing-down sale takes place.

One shopper said: “I’m surprised it lasted as long as it did because it never looked busy.”

Last year the chocolate giant, part of the Ferrero group, closed its Burnley branch, also in St James Street, after around 25 years of trading.

Their last remaining presence in East Lancashire is their store in Accrington’s Arndale though there are other county shops in Preston and Leyland.

The New Year has been one of significant upheaval for Blackburn’s main shopping street. Work is underway to provide a fresh lease of life for the Nationwide Building Society in King William Street.

But Designer Clearance will soon close and contractors have been stripping out the former Kings BBQ.