SIR, I write in support of the letter by Coun Ian Stewart (Letters, January 10, Bringing relief'). Since then we have had further bad news regarding job losses in the Kendal area with the announcement by Clarks of the forthcoming closure mid-year of the K Shoes factory. It must now be evident to all readers that the trend of job losses experienced over the past two years is serious. We are sliding towards a lower wage economy.

Kendal is still a prosperous town but economic reality has to be faced in meeting the new challenges.

There is now a desperate need for infrastructure improvements to bring a higher waged employment and that means a joint, pro-active approach from the two tiers of local government and the funding agencies to actually get new projects into place and quickly.

In particular, we have to convince decision-makers in Brussels, London and Warrington (ie: the North West Development Agency) that unemployment statistics do not tell the full story.

As regards the proposed Northern Link Road for Kendal, I wish the county council success in bringing to fruition the Liberal Democrat vision to which he refers.

While referring to the problems in the Kendal area, let us not forget the situation in the Ulverston area. Ulverston has some four times the official unemployment rate in Kendal and faces 400 jobs losses over two years from the Glaxo plant.

In addition, BAE systems order book is not consistent with employment for the full existing workforce. It will be a serious loss if the twin super carrier' main contractor order, due to be announced this month, is not awarded locally.

Ulverston and surrounding rural areas are a part of the Furness economy and greatly influenced by events in Barrow.

There is clearly a great deal of work to be done, which requires maximum co-operation from all organisations concerned.

Coun Noel Spendlove

Cabinet member with Portfolio

For Economic Development

South Lakeland District Council

January 16, 2003 15:30