A LATE night store described as a "lifeline" for the elderly and disabled will close on Saturday, despite an eleventh hour bid to get the decision reversed.

Ward councillors in Oswaldtwistle arranged a meeting with bosses from United Norwest Co-operatives in an effort to save the Late Shop in Union Road.

But a spokesman for the company, which has a food market at the other end of Union Road, said: "We have no intention of reversing the decision.

Oswaldtwistle cannot sustain two Co-op shops in such close proximity."

The company said they will discuss possible extended opening hours at the food market and consider steps to help meet the needs of the community near to the Late Shop.

Hyndburn councillors Maurice Cowell, Peter Britcliffe and Brian Walmsley arranged to meet management from United Norwest Co-operatives Ltd on Friday afternoon. The councillors had hoped they might negotiate a stay of execution for the store.

Coun Cowell said that despite the company's declaration he still hoped the shop's short-term future could be secured.

He said: "The war isn't finished until all the ammunition is spent. There are a lot of elderly and disabled people who rely on the store and there are 17 people whose jobs are in doubt."

The Stoke-based parent company blame the closure on a fall in profits at the store. The firm have announced plans to spend £25,000 on their foodmarket in Union Road.

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