MOBILE phone retailer Phones 4u had closed its four outlets in the area yesterday as a decision over the future of the business was set to be made.

The phone contract comparison retailer has shops in The Mall shopping centres in Blackburn and Burnley, a store in the Arndale, Accrington and another branch on Chapel Street, Chorley.

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It is believed they employ around 40 workers at the four locations.

The company said all its 550 stores were closed pending a decision by the administrators on whether the business can be reopened for trading.

Nationally around 5,500 jobs at risk - after network operator EE joined Vodafone in cutting ties with the retailer.

Staff were told to turn up for work yesterday but the branches did not open.

Phones 4u said the decision by EE not to renew its current contract, which is due to end in September next year, came as a ‘complete shock’ and meant it would be left without a single network partner after Vodafone said earlier this month that it would not extend its agreement.

Phone operators are increasingly targeting sales through their own stores.

Phones 4u said that both EE and Vodafone had, until very recently, indicated that they saw Phones 4u as a long-term strategic partner.

All mobile contracts bought through Phones 4u will remain unaffected and the networks will continue to provide mobile services to customers.