THE region's beleagured textile industry suffered another blow last night with the announcement of the loss of about 50 jobs.

The once thriving clothing market has seen thousands of jobs lost in the North-East during the past few years due to competition from East Asia.

The latest job losses, at Coats, in Peterlee, County Durham, have been blamed on clothing companies looking abroad - particularly to China - for cheaper goods.

Zip and thread manufacturer Coats announced plans to restructure its business by closing its clothing thread and distribution business in Glasgow and merging it with the Peterlee site, which makes zips.

Valerie Scott, of the GMB union, which represents tex- tiles workers, said nothing more would be known about the jobs to be lost until later in the month.

She said: "It is just so difficult for the textile industry at the moment, with strong competition coming from China, which seems to be the place everyone is going.

"The clothing manufacturers which Coats supplies are looking to buy their zips and threads much cheaper in order to sustain their own manufacturing."

Managing director Sherwell Fernando said: "Regrettably, at this stage it is anticipated that approximately 50 jobs based at the Peterlee site will be lost as part of the restructuring.

"We very much regret that jobs will be affected by the restructuring at Peterlee, particularly given the dedication of our employees, many of whom have very long service with Coats.

"However, the consolidation means we shall be in a stronger position in the long-term to service our UK customer base."

About 100 jobs will go at Coats' Glasgow operation when the zip and thread businesses are consolidated in Peterlee.

Coats UK employs about 700 people in the UK - including 170 at Peterlee - and is part of Coats Ltd, the largest manufacturer of sewing thread in the world.

Part of the business, Coats Crafts, is based in Darlington, and employs about 100 people.

Coats UK sold its high street fashion businesses, Jaegar and Viyella, last year in a bid to stem losses.

Last year, Sara Lee Courtaulds, with factories in Peterlee and Bishop Auckland, made 350 staff redundant and waxed jacket makers Barbour closed its plant in Crook, where 87 people were employed.

Other losses in previous years included 400 at Coats, in Peterlee and Darlington, 400 at Dewhirst in Sunderland and 100 staff at Susie Radin, in Crook.