"It's very disappointing news for Kendal but particularly for the workforce. Ks have treated their very loyal workforce with a very cavalier attitude. It's more high quality jobs that have gone and we seem to be losing them in Kendal all the time."

Mayor of Kendal Coun Avril Dobson

"You are talking about 167 people losing their jobs and there are not going to be that many jobs knocking about between now and then. Some people will probably never work again that's a caring company for you."

KFAT union steward Kelvin Alderson

"We should do anything and everything to ensure some form of manufacturing continues on that site. We need diversity and we are not going to get that if we allow that site to be turned over to retail or housing."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins

"It's only two years ago Cumbria had more jobs in manufacturing than the national average and I believe that's gone now with various closures across the county. The last two years have been absolutely disastrous for South Lakeland."

County councillor Tom Clare who is expected to join the Cumbria High Level Task Force

"I am unsurprised, but deeply disappointed by the parent company who have put corporate greed ahead of the 150 year long relationship between K Shoes and the town of Kendal."

Leading Liberal Democrat Tim Farron

January 17, 2003 10:00