THE future of the Liberty fabrics distribution centre and more than 100 jobs in Burnley were in doubt today as the group announced the closure of almost its entire retail network.

The upmarket chain said more than 20 retail outlets are to go in a bid to stem dwindling profits - leaving only its Regent Street flagship, three airport shops and three Muji stores, all in London.

The 350 jobs cutback marks the withdrawal of the high-cost fabric group as a national retailer.

And it places a question mark over the multi-million pound purpose-built distribution centre and factory shop on Burnley's Heasandford estate, which supplied the company's goods to all stores from Exeter to Edinburgh.

A company spokesman declined to make any comment on the Burnley operation, other than to say full details of the major re-structuring of operations would be unveiled when it releases its annual results next month.

Profits are not expected to exceed £2.1 million, compared with a 1991 peak of more than £7 million and there will be no dividend for shareholders, the company has revealed.

The Burnley site, on a four and a half acre site on Widow Hill Road, was officially opened in August 1990.

The group said it was ideally located as the main distribution point for all its stores and wholesale customers.

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