DOZENS of jobs have been lost after two firms crashed in the latest blow to East Lancashire's ailing footwear industry.

Receivers have been appointed at Gilleade & Ashworth, of Haslingden, and J Walsh Footwear, of Blackburn.

Around six jobs at the Haslingden firm have already been lost with a further 30 at the Blackburn company. Although the two firms are separate they share the same directors and both went into administrative receivership on the same day.

Both companies are continuing to trade and it is hoped a buyer will be found for them.

"We have advertised the business and have had a number of inquiries," confirmed Sarah Bell of PriceWaterhouseCoopers which are handling the receivership.

"There are also a number of other parties to contact this week who may be interested in making an offer."

More than 30 people are still working at both the companies. The collapse of the firms is being blamed on the depressed state of the British footwear industry.

In the last four months almost 400 jobs have been lost in the industry which is being battered by cheap imports.

Almost 300 went when Lambert Howarth announced the closure of its Greenbridge Works in Rawtensall in December. Another 40 were lost at the Bacup Shoe firm in Stacksteads in November.

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