MP Janet Anderson today revealed new owner Trevor Hemmings had given her a personal assurance over the future of Crown Wallcoverings.

It was announced yesterday that the multi-millionaire Pontin's boss had bought the crisis-hit company, but a spokesman said it was too soon to say what would happen to the Belgrave Mill site in Darwen.

In 1999 the CWV Group, part of the Trevor Hemmings' empire which manufactures wallpaper, took over Coloroll at Nelson but closed the factory with the loss of 300 jobs when it moved production to Hyde.

Today Janet Anderson said she was sure Belgrave Mill's future would be secure.

She said: "I spoke to Mr Hemmings when I knew that he was interested in buying the firm.

"He said he was very committed to the future of Darwen.

"I am absolutely delighted. I hope this will mean a secure future for Belgrave Mill.

"Mr Hemmings said it was his intention to keep the plant open and I am confident that he will.

"He made clear his strong personal commitment to Darwen.

"The alternative was a management buy-out, but in my view the management got the firm into trouble in the first place.

"I am very pleased Mr Hemmings has succeeded in his bid and it's good news for the company and the workforce."

Crown Wallcoverings, which was part of the American-owned Imperial Home Decor Group, went into receivership in June and more than 200 workers at Darwen were made redundant. Belgrave Mills now employs less than 100 people.

Bob Haldcroft, 49, who has worked there for more than 30 years, says the staff are happy for now but will have to wait and see what happens in the long term.

He said: We have been told we have been taken over and they are seeing into it at the moment.

"They are employing us now and that's it. People are happy that they now won't lose their jobs. At least they are not in receivership now."

Accountants Ernst and Young, which had run the business in receivership, said: "We are delighted to announce this sale which we believe is great news for the business, its employees, customers and suppliers.

"The sale ensures the survival of one of the largest and most renowned international wallcoverings businesses.

"The combination with CWV, itself a leader in the home furnishings market, should enable the combined businesses to offer the best products with which to compete in the marketplace."