WORKERS at a Burnley textile mill have been told their jobs are on the line after bosses announced plans to move to Yorkshire.

Representatives among the 120 staff at Northern Textiles in Sycamore Avenue today said they were shocked by the planned closure which, they added, had come as a surprise.

Now the town's MP and senior councillors are asking Yorkshire-based parent company John Cotton to look at ways of keeping some production in Burnley.

Managing director of John Cotton's Home Textiles division Nicholas Cotton said: "Following the acquisition of Northern Textiles by the John Cotton Group in December 2002 we have been working closely to co-ordinate our sales and manufacturing.

"However, John Cotton Group propose that the two businesses are consolidated on to one site to best utilise resources.

"After careful consideration John Cotton Group propose that the two businesses are consolidated within the Home Textiles operation at Mirfield.

"Subject to consultation with the Northern Textiles workforce this could result in the closure of operations at the Burnley site at the end of August 2003."

Workers claimed the factory has a full order book and has been making money. One, who did not want to be named, said: "Of course we are all shocked. We all thought the place was doing well. The news hasn't gone down well."

Another worker said: "I've only been here since January but I didn't think they would close this place down."

The company refused to make further comment.

But Burnley MP Peter Pike said he would urge John Cotton to reconsider. Mr Pike said: "I have faxed the company in Burnley and said I am more than happy to meet with the management and discuss if there is any way I, or the council, can secure these jobs in Burnley.

"I understand the company does have contracts and I want to see that work done here."

Northern Textiles was founded by businessman Billy Gleave in 1983. At the time the quilts, pillows and mattress cover manufacturers had a staff of just 28.

In 1995 sales surged to over £4million when the company won orders from Index, Slumberland and Rosebys.

During the mid 1990s the firm employed 135 people and turnover was expected to to £6million and in December 1995 the firm was included in a list of Europe's 500 most successful fast growing businesses.

Burnley's council leader Stuart Caddy said: "I am going to speak to our Economic Development Unit and the Job Centre. If there is anything the council can do then we will look at it seriously."