CARLISLE'S branch of upmarket show retailer Jones Bootmaker has closed, with the loss of six jobs.

The firm has been bought by Leeds-based private equity firm Endless LLP after it s previous owners - Alteri Investors - appointed staff from accountancy giant KPMG as administrators.

It is not taking on about 30 shops and concessions deemed "underperforming" as part of the deal, including its only Cumbrian outlet in The Lanes Shopping Centre.

The store was not open for business over the weekend and it is expected all stock will be cleared from the unit before the end of this week.

David Jackson, commercial director of The Lanes, was sad to see the loss of a retailer from the centre.

He said: "It is not good news at all. That particular business (Jones) has changed hands a couple of times in the last few years, which is not normally a good sign."

"We will be doing our best to replace it with something similar," he added.

Jones Bootmaker was set up in London in 1857 and opened its Carlisle branch in 2012.

This is the second retailer to close its door in Carlisle in the space of a week - Aga closed its city centre store on Lonsdale Street on Friday.

Heather Bradley, economy, enterprise and housing portfolio holder on Carlisle City Council, said: "It is always bad news to hear of local people losing their jobs because it is very, very difficult for individuals and their families.

"I just hope that they can find other jobs quickly because they are obviously experienced in their field."

She added: "We need a spread of goods which offer the whole range of goods available for sale. That's why we promote Carlisle as a centre which is worth any business moving to."

Andrew Smith, partner at KPMG, led the investment for Endless, which also owns The Works chain of bookstores.

Mr Smith said: "Jones is a well-known and loved brand on the UK High Street. We recognise that there is a lot of work to be done to transform the company to secure long-term stability for the business and its employees but we are delighted to be working with the team and can see the opportunities for an exciting future.”