JOBS could be lost at a Carlisle textile firm after it announced plans to close one of its weaving sheds.

Workers at Lappet Manufacturing Company Limited on Lorne Crescent in Denton Holme were called to a meeting and told the news yesterday.

The firm, whose head office is in Garstang, Lancashire, makes traditional Saudi Arabian men's head shawls known as shemagh.

Bob Quick, managing director, said: "Demand for Lappet’s products has declined over a period of years which together with macroeconomic

factors in its main overseas market has led to a loss of market share.

"Unfortunately we have announced the proposed closure for one of the main weaving sheds at Gleneden Mill, Carlisle.

"A lack of orders has forced the company to make this proposal, which could involve as many as 58 redundancies spread across both factories.

"Before any final decisions are made, we shall consult thoroughly with our employees and Unions on this issue and we very much regret the concern that this announcement will inevitably cause.”

Negotiations with the GMB union have begun.

The firm has suffered job losses in the past.

In 2004, the owners of the company blamed terrorism, instability in Arab countries and increased competition from China for a decision to make 90 workers redundant in Carlisle.

But the factory never shut down and over the years the workforce gradually built up again.