A SPOKESMAN for Clarks expressed regret this week at the end of shoe manufacturing in Kendal.

John Keery, who is based at the company headquarters at Street in Somerset, said that the firm had been through the same closure procedure with Clarks' own factories, of which there were only two left, and it was not pleasant for anyone.

"The words are pretty irrelevant in a sense, because we know it's grim for the people involved. It's not an easy decision to make but the way the world of footwear has changed, it's been inevitable.

"Nobody takes any pleasure or pride in having to do this. There's been a long-standing association with the K brand and it's a sad day for everybody connected with the business that this has had to happen."

May 2, 2003 09:30