Weisters a textile firm in Darwen involved in the textile trade since 1932, and was originally known as Lancashire Silk Mills has submitted proposals to the borough council for a two storey extension at the Anchor Mill home of DHJ Weisters, in Moss Fold Road.

If the package, affecting the northern elevation of the mills, finds favour with councillors, then the company’s 45-strong workforce would be swelled by at least four additional posts, it has been outlined.

Planning agent Peter Hitchen said that the building is six metres to the eaves and internally the proposal is to create open plan floor space, which will provide space for warehousing and a bridal department.

An additional 480 square metres of floor space would be created as part of the scheme.

Council officers have been told a number of functions are already carried out at the premises, ranging from the computer-based design of fabrics to the weaving of jacquard and dobby fabrics for neckwear, curtains and bridalwear.

The sewing of cravats and ties, finishing of woven fabrics and warehousing for a range of bridal laces is also undertaken on site.

The business, established by German fabric importer JH Godfrey Weisters, has remained a family concern; it also operates a slightly smaller facility in Cheshire.