MORE than 150 years of shoemaking in Kendal is to end after Clarks announced last week 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.

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

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.

Stay tuned for more news on the closure in coming days.

January 14, 2003 09:30