HALF the workforce at a struggling textile business have been made redundant just weeks after bosses were forced to call in receivers.

Sixty people at the Witton Mill company and its subsiduary Wittrex in Blackburn have lost their jobs three weeks after bosses blamed the strong pound for a drop in exports.

All the job losses are compulsory and those workers that remain fear for the future, even though the receivers are hopeful of finding a buyer.

Philip Almond, a labourer at Witton Mill said: "When it was announced there would be job losses everyone thought it would be them that would lose it.

"I was in fear that I would go and to be honest I was relieved when I was told I would not be going. Some of my friends went and I was sorry for them. Work is going fairly smoothly now and I am confident we can find a buyer soon and save the company."

John Livesey also works at Witton Mill.

He said: "There have been a few people looking around and I am sure something will happen sooner or later. Morale at the place is still good and I think I will be working here next year."

The Stancliffe Street business went into receivership three weeks ago after exports dropped with bosses blaming the strong pound. Receiver Peter Terry said there is a good chance of a buyer being found for the company, which has an annual turnover of £10million.

"There are one or two interested parties," he said. These are believed to be British companies already established in the textile market.

Mr Terry added: "Two companies have made preliminary enquiries but it is at a very early stage.

"No figures have been mentioned so far.

"I can see why they are interested as the previous owners spent £5.5million in modernising the site and it is now a top-class facility."

It is believed an announcement regarding the future of Witton Mill is to be made next month.

Jim Langfield, owner of Langfield's Bakery, Markham Road, said: "It's going to affect the whole area.

"It's not going to do anyone any good. I would imagine a lot of the workers live round here. It was quite a shock when I was told about it."

Michael Whalley, of Witton fish and chip shop, said: "Business has dwindled in the five years that we have been here.

"We don't get many people in here from Witton.

"A lot of our customers come from Scapa and their numbers have gone down over the years."

Michael Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our concerns about the strength of sterling are well reported and we have had direct input at both Bank of England and Cabinet level -- and will continue to do so.

"We know that Witton Mill has invested in both the technology and the premises and that the management have taken many of the appropriate steps to enter international markets.

"It is to be hoped the company can continue, as we see niche textiles as an important part of the future of East Lancashire.