SIXTY-six jobs will go when a Kidderminster carpet company shuts its town site.

Heavy financial losses have been blamed for the closure of Georgian Carpets' Clensmore factory.

Operations will now be moved to Cumbria.

Georgian managing director Mike Lyman said the announcement was a "sad day" for the Kidderminster factory.

But he claimed the plan meant more jobs would be saved nationwide.

Wyre Forest MP David Lock hit out at the move, saying it was "no way to treat loyal employees who have worked at the company for many years".

But Mr Lyman insisted management had fought to keep the Kidderminster plant in operation.

"It's very sad and it's with great regret I have to make people I have worked with for 25 years redundant," he said.

"I've fought long and hard to keep Kidderminster going.

"However, this is a commercial decision and the alternatives would have meant bigger job losses elsewhere in the country."

He said the firm was trying to maintain its British operation rather than turning to cheaper labour abroad.

"The decision is a reflection of everything the industry is going through," he said.

Mr Lyman said the company was consulting employees about potential redundancies to avoid or cut the number of job losses.

A final decision is due next month.