A FAMILY-run bakery firm has blamed the closure of four of its shops on competition from national chains.

Whiteside’s shut bakeries in Dockray Street, Colne, Market Place Clitheroe, Gisburn Road, Barrowford, and Scotland Road, Nelson, along with a butcher’s shop in Market Street Colne.

The bakery in Norfolk Street, Colne, which supplied goods to their shops as well as local pubs and to Nelson and Colne College, also closed.

The main butchers and bakers in Keighley Road, Colne, and sister business Nicola-Jayne Celebration Cakes next door remain open.

The business was granted permission to build a bakery at the rear of the shop by Pendle’s Colne and District Committee earlier this month.

Owner of the family-run business John Whiteside said: “For the past 18 months, trading has been increasingly difficult in the recession.

“Substantial increases in overheads have made it very tough to remain competitive in our town centre shops, where Greggs and Sainsbury’s have had a massive impact on our sales.

“We have taken every step to keep the business going but the decision was taken that this is no longer viable.

“We apologise to our valued customers, and wish to thank most sincerely our local employees for their years of dedicated service.”