More than 150 years of shoemaking in Kendal is to end after Clarks announced the closure of its only remaining factory in the town with the loss of 167 jobs.

Workers, who said they had been expecting bad news, were in a sombre mood as they left the Natland Road site following the company's statement. One said they had "really been sold out" by the footwear giant's decision.

The announcement means that no more footwear will be made in the town that gave its initial letter to the K Shoes brand.

Clarks International announced on Friday that it was closing its Springer Factory.

It is anticipated that it will shut by mid-year when orders have been completed.

Clarks said the closure was a result of "increasing competition from new overseas sources", and a change in the type of product required by customers.

Clarks chief executive Peter Bolliger said: "This has been a difficult decision to make but a lot of the current and continuing success of the Clarks business has been based on the competitive edge given by the combination of quality and value that characterises products obtained from the Far East, South America and Eastern Europe.

"On a very personal basis I am particularly sad about the Kendal decision as I joined the Clarks business as general manager of K Shoes in 1994.

"During my time in Kendal I recognised the important part that K Shoes has played in the area over 160 years, and the dedicated service given to the company by generations of

Cumbrian families."

The news sparked immediate action from the Cumbria High Level Task Force, which is to meet later this month. Representatives from Cumbria County Council, district councils, and employment agencies will work together to help those facing redundancy.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins will also attend the meeting. Mr Collins was present at the factory gates to talk to workers who had just received the bad news, calling the closure "a very sad end to an era".

A total of 84 jobs will remain in Kendal at the warehouse and repair factory. Clarks said it would provide support to employees seeking alternative work.

K Shoes has had a long history within the town, which began when Robert Somervell founded his business in 1842. The letter K was first used in 1865. The firm was taken over by the then C&J Clark Ltd in 1981.

l For the latest news on the closure don't miss Friday's Westmorland Gazette.

January 15, 2003 09:30