Factory closes after 300 years

Blankets have been made at the site since 1669

One of Oxfordshire's most famous manufacturers is to close after more than 300 years, with the loss of 72 jobs.

Quiltex, in Witney, has failed to find a new site in the town and is now moving to Derbyshire.

The staff - who are all over 60 - will lose their jobs, although some will be offered contracts at the new factory.

West Oxfordshire District Council has however, refused to accept defeat and is still trying to persuade the company to stay in Witney.

Members of the workforce are aged over 60

The blankets have been made at the Burford Road Mill since 1669, originally by Early's of Witney, before Quiltex took it over.

The land has now been allocated for a housing development.

Stanley Jenkins, a local historian, believes the site has been used as a mill since the 11th century.

"Two mills in the area were mentioned in the Doomsday Book and Witney's was almost certainly one of them.

'Housing estate'

"This is the end of an era for Witney - nearly all of its industry is gone.

"The town is now just a big housing estate," said Mr Jenkins.

Barry Norton, head of the district council said talks with Quiltex are still being sought about the closure.

"I shall be speaking to the present owners of the factory site to see if it is possible to grant them a temporary stay of execution," he said.