Nostalgia 1976: 350 new jobs for women in Batley

And the announcement was welcomed by all sections of the community.

The Barnsley clothiers S R Gent and Co wanted to develop a sewing factory on an industrial site in Well Lane, near the town centre.

The Batley site was on a short list of three drawn up by the firm out of 56 potential areas.

Managing director Colin Craker claimed he was 90 per cent sure the factory would be built in Batley.

He said: “Batley not only offers good labour prospects, but they the council’s attitude towards the development has been encouraging.

“Batley is at the centre of the firm’s supply and connections network.”

The company had a chain of factories throughout South Yorkshire.

The site at Barnsley was renowned as having the most modern design and cutting complex in Europe.

Secretary of the Ratepayers’ Association Ray Pennock welcomed the idea because of the way it would bring employment to the town.

He said: “I only hope that they make a good job of it in helping towards the town centre redevelopment plan.”

President of the Chamber of Trade Trevor Hartley also backed the proposal.

He said: “It is the best news I have heard for years. Good luck to the firm.”