THE departure of a major company from Darwen has sparked a debate on the town's 'dwindling' trade.

Thorntons and Hallmark opened on Market Street just before Christmas but has now been forced to shut.

A Thorntons spokesman said: "The shop was a frachise and a single manager ran the store on our behalf and it was his decision to close because of economic reasons."

Selling a combination of cards and chocolate, the shop employed three people.

Councillors and shop traders are now at odds over whether the closure is a symbol of Darwen's decreasing trade.

Coun Paul Browne, of Sudell ward, said: "We are just not attracting the businesses we want in Darwen and this is a terrible blow to the town. The Darwen people need to get behind their retailers and start shopping in the town and only then will more businesses come on board."

Roy Davies, who supports independence for Darwen, said: "I'm very very disappointed. I thought that, when the shop opened in December, it would be the start of new things for the town but it's gone the other way. Our trade is dwindling and I hope that the council's regeneration plans will do something to stop it."

David Clark, manager of Natural Choice on Bridge Street, said: "I remember when Bridge Street used to be full of shops and now there are at least three empty ones. Every shop in Darwen is feeling the pull of the big retail areas like the Trafford Centre. I know it has affected my shop."

But Coun Frank Connor, council planning committee chairman, said Darreners had nothing to worry about.

He said: "There are four or five card shops in Darwen and that would be stiff competition for Hallmark. Darwen is a vibrant town and the town centre strategy will bring out some important issues for traders.

"I don't think the store's departure reflects the trade in the town because it's always bustling with people."

Coun Dave Smith, of Sunnyhurst ward, said: "What does need to be looked at is the balance of shops on either side of the main road. There are far more shops on the side of the market and the balance needs to be redressed."

Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "I'm sorry to hear that another town centre shop has closed down and maybe it wasn't the right location for a shop like Thorntons. I hope someone can take it over and make a go of it."