A BURNLEY snooker hall has closed after it was revealed that the site will not be saved by the company’s new owners.

Snooker firm Riley’s were rescued from administration by Valiant Sports Limited this week, but they will not be saving the Riley’s Snooker Hall site, in Hargreaves Street.

Initially it was hoped the site could be saved but it has now closed down like its sister operation in Blackburn.

Maurice Kelly, chief executive of Valiant Sports Limited, said: “The leisure and bar industry has faced a number of serious challenges, such as the smoking ban and changes to gambling legislation over the past few years which have had a damaging effect on this business.

"The purchase of the viable assets by Valiant Sports Limited was the only option which could save 1,200 jobs and 129 clubs.”