The announcement another shop is to close in Spindles has been described as 'another nail in the coffin' for the town centre shopping site as the council moves forward with its multi-million-pound regeneration.

Blue Inc, which has dozens of stores across the UK, is currently holding a closing down sale, with up to 70 per cent off some items.

The fashion retailer's departure follows the loss of H&M from the shopping centre in February, with Debenhams and TJ Hughes having also shut down operations in Spindles since the pandemic.

The council submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Spindles last month as it looks to rehouse Tommyfield Market where TJ Hughes was based, create a new events space for private and public functions and set up office space on the first floor for local businesses and Oldham Council services.

The council purchased Spindles in October 2020.

In a statement, an Oldham Council spokesperson said: "We’re sad to see Blue Inc leaving Spindles Shopping Centre, especially at a time when we are starting to really redevelop this area.

"Our Get Oldham Working Team will be contacting the store shortly to offer its support to those who have been affected and to work with them on their next steps.

"We’re committed to improving the future of our town centre and our plans have been informed by the comments and feedback of local residents during the Big Oldham Conversation consultation."

The Oldham Times: Part of the proposal would see a new food court areaPart of the proposal would see a new food court area (Image: Oldham Council)

However, the optimism for the redevelopment of Spindles is not shared by everyone.

Cllr Chris Gloster, deputy leader of the borough's Liberal Democrats, said the closure of Blue Inc is "another nail in the coffin of Spindles".

He said the purchase of the shopping centre took place "without any consultation with councillors" and said the acquisition had been "heralded as a bargain".

Cllr Gloster said: "The Liberal Democrat opposition have been scorned for constantly raising their concerns, but realistically, who is going to visit a town centre shopping centre where most of the big name retailers have left?"

The council recently occupied one of the empty store units with the Oldham Made pop-up shop, which sold items from a range of independent businesses in the borough.

Cllr Dave Arnott of the Conservatives was contacted for comment.

The closing date of the shop is currently unknown.

Blue Inc has been contacted for comment.