A DIY store in Burnley, which employs around 45 retail staff, looks set to change hands, it has been confirmed.

Homebase was heralded as a major addition to the outskirts of the town centre when it opened at a newly-developed location in Calder Vale Road in 2008.

But it is understood that the retail warehouse, which comes with a 115-space car park, is now being transferred to home, leisure and garden rivals The Range.

Bosses at The Range, which has another East Lancashire store at Whitebirk, near Blackburn, are remaining tight-lipped over the move. But management at Homebase have revealed that they will be pulling out of Burnley in the near future, after staging talks with staff.

A Homebase spokesman said: “Following a period of consultation with colleagues, we have announced that the Homebase store in Burnley will close, with a date yet to be confirmed.

“The store lease is transferring to retailer The Range subject to planning and landlord consents, who will invite all Homebase Burnley colleagues for an interview to work in their new store.

“Where possible we will also look for opportunities for colleagues at nearby Homebase and Argos stores.”

A spokesman for The Range said: “Unfortunately The Range are unable to comment on this at this point in time.”

Former owners Gregory Property Group reported last November that the retail development had been sold to the Ashfield Group for £4.76million.

This included a £337,500 lease to Homebase, which had been due to run until May 2029.