ACCRINGTON’S Woolworth store, which has been at the heart of the town for the last 83 years, will be one of the last to close nationwide.

The Broadway store will shut its doors for the final time on 5 January and 21 staff face being made redundant just days after the dawn of the New Year.

Administrators Deloitte were still in talks with possible buyers this week but were unable to say whether there had been any interest in the Accrington store.

After announcing a massive closure sale, with up to 60 per cent off goods, shelves have been emptied by bargain hunters searching the aisles for reductions.

After hearing the latest news, Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "It’s a really sad start to the New Year in the borough. Woolworth’s is part of the fabric of Accrington town centre.

"It’s such a poignant sign of the times we are living in, in this turbulent economic climate.

"Contemplating shopping in Accrington without Woolies is almost unthinkable."

The Accrington branch of Wool-worth’s opened on 29 May 1925 at 53-59 Blackburn Road, the site currently occupied by Quattro’s Italian restaurant.

It traded there for over 35 years until 7 September 1961 when it moved to Broadway as part of a major redevelopment.

Described at the time as one of the most modern stores in the country, it was an L-shaped building with entrances on both Broadway and Union Street.

It took its present form with the opening of the Arndale Centre in 1990.