ABOUT fifty jobs are expected to go at one of Rossendale's biggest employers - and workers fear more cuts are imminent.

Creditors of footwear company J H Hirst of Waterfoot, who are owed around £1 million, yesterday agreed to an arrangement for cash to be repaid.

The firm, which employs 200, was hit by problems surrounding the Facia Group which collapsed earlier this year leaving huge overstocking in the industry.

If creditors hadn't agreed to the corporate voluntary arrangement - whereby it is agreed that debts are paid off over a certain period of time - it is thought the company would have been forced to close.

But around 50 jobs are likely to go when the company's cutting and closing department shuts. It is thought likely more could be lost in the lasting and finishing section. Mike Seery of accountants KPMG, who is supervising the arrangement with creditors, said workers would be told the situation over the next couple of days.

Mike Murray of footwear union KFAT said: "It really hurts when I see a company like Hirst's which has a long tradition in the Valley being cut so drastically.

"The union has made every effort to ensure that other footwear manufacturers are aware of the skills of the workers who have lost their jobs."

Mr Murray has been in contact with Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson to ask her to call a meeting of the all-party footwear committee to discuss the state of the industry in general.

"As well as the problems caused by the closure of the Facia Group, imports are rising every month," he said.

Workers at the factory have planned a 'last big party night' at Rossendale United Social Club on Friday.

More than 57 employees at the factory were made redundant in June.

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