WORKERS at a Blackburn carpet factory have been warned that some staff may have to go on short-time as a result of a fall-off in orders.

However, management believe that redundancies can be avoided at Cavalier Carpets' Bank Top Mill in Dixon Street.

The firm employs 250 people but a notice has gone up warning that a small number may have to go on short-time unless new orders can be found.

Managing director Gerry Lowe blamed the problem on a fall-off in export orders.

"The pound is so strong that we are not getting the exports which represent 25 per cent of our business," he said.

"I'm very confident that redundancies will not be necessary but short time working may be."

Talks are going on to try to save a long-established Blackburn builders' merchants.

Forrest and Crabtree, on Freckleton Street, celebrates its 150th birthday this year but may close unless a new buyer can be found.

The firm is closed "until further notice" while the search for a buyer continues.

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