THE Bishop of Burnley has called on the town's council to do their utmost to repair the damage done to families by the Michelin factory closure.

This comes as Michelin confirmed they will be seeking to find a buyer for the Bancroft Road site over the coming months, which fuels hopes that the 36-acre area could be put to use again.

The Right Reverend John Goddard said the loss of 452 jobs when the factory closes next March had left him 'saddened'.

He said that workers' families would bear the brunt as their quality of life decreases, but that those in charge of regeneration at Burnley Council could offset this by bring other firms into the town.

"I know from my experience over many years that the statistic of a person losing their job in reality means the families will suffer as quality of life decreases," he said.

"I hope there will be support for those who lost their jobs.

"I am saddened by the loss of jobs, particularly in an area like our ours. We need investment and quality jobs and I hope that those who have regeneration in mind will be resourceful and encourage other firms to take up work opportunities."

Paul Niblett, a spokesperson for Michelin, said: "We would expect the site to be sold. Whether it's with the buildings on or without, or as a series of units, remains to be seen."