A further 150 textile jobs in Bradford are in jeopardy with the threatened closure of another company.

Benson Turner is considering shutting both its dyeing operation in Bowling and its spinning division in Wyke in the new year, according to a trade union.

The closures would cost about 83 jobs at its dyeing plant in Mount Street, Bowling, 59 from the spinning division in Wyke, and another eight general administration posts.

The jobs fears come only days after Laisterdyke firm W&J Whitehead closed its doors for the last time after 143 years in business.

About 600 jobs were lost there despite attempts by receivers and Bradford North Labour MP Terry Rooney to draw up a rescue package.

Bowling Councillor John Ryan and Wyke Councillor Daniel Mangham said they were dismayed by news of the impending jobs losses at Benson Turner.

Coun Ryan (Lab) said: "It's bad news when any company shuts down, but for the Bowling ward this is a double blow following the closure of Whitehead's.

"The textile industry in Bradford is fairly small compared to what it used to be, but was thought to be fairly stable. But if long-established firms like these are going, which have survived many previous recessions, it's a real worry."

Coun Mangham (Lab) said: "This is a real shock, because Benson Turner has been a steady employer here for a long, long time. I'm sorry we'll see so many jobs go, and they will take some replacing."

Regional industrial organiser for the Transport & General Workers' Union, Nick Halton, was one of the first to be informed of the firm's closure plan.

He said: "This is just another kick in the teeth for the textile industry and for Bradford.

"We're not recognised at this company but we have quite a few members there who we've written to just to say we're here to help if they need any advice at all."

No one at Benson Turner was available for comment about the closure plan.