There was a definite air of sadness today (October 6) over at Dickies workwear on the Westfield Industrial estate, following news that the future of the company is in doubt.

The offices at the hugely respected work wear company, which was originally founded in 1900, were closed to visitors although the shop on site was still open.

Locals expressed disbelief at the news that Dickies would be negotiating with staff about the possibility of making them redundant with questions about the "viability" of the company, with up to 240 jobs at risk.

One fan of the clothing told Nub News: " Their work wear is simply the best, it lasts and lasts. This is such sad news, so many people know people who have worked here. It is part of Westfield."

To give it its full name, Williamson-Dickie Europe Ltd has both the head office and distribution centre on the Westfield Estate, along with a large workwear shop open to the public.

The parent company VF Corporation announced yesterday (October 5) that it was entering into consultation with all staff about the future of the company.

Originally called Clares, the business was founded in 1900 in Wells, Somerset, to provide the agricultural industry with hardware and work clothing.

In the 1980's the business was acquired by Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing, based in Texas, before its acquisition by VF Corporation in 2017.

Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world's largest clothing footwear and accessories company which in addition to Dickies, owns the brands Vans, the North Face and Timberland.