THE Denby pottery outlet store in Kendal's Westmorland Shopping Centre is to close at the end of this month.

The store, which was previously located at the K Village but relocated to its current position more than a year ago, will shut on June 30 and four members of staff will lose their jobs.

The company's managing director Sebastian Lazell confirmed Denby had made the "difficult" decision but would provide every possible assistance to the staff involved.

"Denby Pottery has been hand-crafting ceramics at its original home in Derbyshire for over 200 years," said Mr Lazell in a statement.

"Denby is sold through both independent and high street department stores, exported overseas to over 40 countries and on-line.  

"Denby also has number of 'Outlet Shops' throughout the UK , all of which are reviewed when their lease comes to an end.

"Denby extended the lease on the store at the Westmorland Centre for a further year after its lease officially came to an end to ensure the decision to close this store was the correct one to take.  

"The Kendal store was one of Denby's earliest Outlet Stores but there have been many changes to the Kendal Outlet Centre over the years and Denby's trade there has declined so we have had to take the difficult decision to close this store.

"We would like to thank our loyal customers for making Denby welcome in Cumbria and especially our four hardworking and committed staff who will be made redundant.

"Denby will do its best to support our staff from this store to secure new employment."