NEWS that a major Lancaster factory is to lock its gates for good have shocked workers and lead to fears that the city's industrial heart has stopped beating.

Bosses at Hindrichs-Aufermann Interiors, formerly Forbo Kingfisher, say they have no choice but to close the 150-year-old factory at Lune Mills following losses of £1.4 million.

Meanwhile, at Standfast, concern for the future is growing after workers were put on a four day week.

Stunned workers had hoped a massive restructuring of the company in 1998, with led to the loss of 275 jobs, had secured a stable future for the factory but the new bosses claim closure is their only realistic option.

In a letter to all employees, General Manager Phil Walker, said: "Regrettably the company believes the only realistic option is to cease all activities at the Lancaster site. Before reaching a final decision the company will consult all employees and their representatives to investigate ways of minimising the number of redundancies."

Once owned by Williamsons, the factory has an illustrious history and helped shape the industrial landscape of the city.

Dave Tyson of the GMB union said: "There are a lot of families around here. My sister-in-law, brother in law and lots of couples. It's just unfortunate."

Lancaster's MP Hilton Dawson has organised urgent talks with company bosses on Tuesday.

"Obviously we have a huge problem on our hands but I'll be meeting with management, trade unions and the local authority over the next few days," said Hilton.

"I was shocked to hear the news of the proposed closure of this factory and the loss of so many jobs at what was once Williamsons -- the heart of Lancaster's manufacturing industry. It is only 18 months since we lost more than 200 jobs from another programme of redundancies and I am very disturbed that this announcement has been made so soon after the takeover of what was Forbo only Last November. We must do everything possible to save these jobs."

Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Steve Barclay said: "This is a devastating blow to the historic heart of the manufacturing centre of Lancaster.

"This factory has a special significance to the development of our city, and all local politicians need to work together in responding to this serious blow to local families and our local economy."