ANOTHER contender for Blackburn's fast-food crown appears to have fallen by the wayside.

Shutters have been drawn at King BBQ, in King William Street, for several weeks now.

A notice to customers stated that the premises, which opened two doors down from McDonalds, had been temporarily closed ' for personal circumstances'.

And a planning application, now withdrawn, was posted close to the shop, seeking permission for a new shopfront, after the premises had officially opened.

Now it has been confirmed that the barbecue shop will no longer be operating out of the site.

Estate agents Trevor Dawson have been instructed to find new tenants for the location, which formerly housed the Co-Op Bank.

Fifteen jobs were originally created when wholesale food importer Dan Flanngan decided to launch his first East Lancashire venture back in February.

He had already made a success of running two fish and chip shops in Preston and was opening a similar establishment in Rochdale.

Before the grand opening the ground floor had been treated to a complete refurbishment and refitted with a host of fryers and display cabinets.

Mr Flannagan told the Telegraph: "Our offer includes great-quality chicken and chicken chunks, and we will also be running a deli and offering pies and other savouries."

His arrival came at an interesting juncture in the battle for the town centre's tastebuds, as Frankie's had just opened on Salford and Crawshaw's had only just served up its last chicken and gammon combo on Church Street. KFC was also yet to make an appearance in The Mall.

In a Trevor Dawson notice for the property, which is up for rent at £22,500 per year, it is stated: "The accommodation will be presented in shell condition with a newly installed suspended ceiling with recessed lighting."

The anticipated loss of King BBQ is not the first food venture to hit tough times in Blackburn in 2019. Hugo Burritos, on Northgate, also had to call it a day, after failing to successfully make the switch from Blackburn Market to the high street.

First-floor offices are also being placed up for rent as part of the package for the now-vacant barbecue shop. Mr Flannagan was unavailable for comment as the Telegraph went to press.