A TEXTILE firm is planning to move out of its base in Bacup to cope with a growing demand for its products.

Gaskell Textiles is hoping to move to a larger warehouse on the GEC estate in Clayton-le-Moors to cope with an increase in demand.

The company, which specialises in making carpet underlay and trims for cars, operates from mills in Bacup and Oswaldtwistle. About 75 staff will be employed in the new building but Gaskells are not expecting to take on any more workers.

Managing director Gerard Cahill said: "We decided we needed to move into a larger premises because our share of the market has grown.

"Nothing has been finalised yet because we still have to get planning permission and the lease for the new building has still not been signed."

About 15 staff will be moved from Rhyddings Mill in Oswaldtwistle and 60 from Lee Mill in Bacup.

Both groups have been told about the changes by the management.

Mr Cahill added: "There were one or two people unhappy about the idea of moving but on the whole most of our staff are happy to stay on board with us. We have arranged transport for people and there will also be some some compensation."

The firm has applied to Hyndburn Council for permission to alter the warehouse in the GEC business park.

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