Burnley town centre dealt a blow as popular business announces closure

The current climate and a series of vandalism attacks and break-ins at Milllie's Cookies were given as the reasons for the business closing for good.

Based in a static kiosk in Charter Walk the business, which specialises in cookies, muffins, hot drinks and gifts, was one of a chain of retail bakeries in the UK run on a franchise basis.

The franchisee said: " We are extremely saddened but had to make this hard decision to close after three incidents of vandalism and the fact we have not been able to trade for months.

"The current climate has hit us hard and in the last vandalism incident some youths kicked in the shutter and smashed all the glass counter. These are extremely expensive to replace and we felt that after this we just couldn't continue."

The franchisee thanked all customers for their loyal support and apologised for the disappointing news.

Millie's Cookies was founded in 1985 and the first store opened in Selfridges department store food hall in London's Oxford Street.

Expansion began in 1987 with stores opening in Sheffield, Manchester and Birmingham.

During the following years, outlets were opened in most major railway stations and airports in the UK aswell as in many shopping centres.

The nearest store is now based in Blackburn.