HOPES are high that two threatened mills in Peebles will be saved from closure.

And up to 87 employees will keep their jobs.

Moorbrook Textiles dropped the bombshell to its workforce at Robert Noble’s and Replin Fabrics in May that closure and redundancies were on the horizon unless a buyer could be found.

Internal efforts to find a new owner for the two businesses had failed and a 30-day redundancy consultation was initiated.

But help from Government agencies has generated several potential buyers.

And the Peeblesshire News understands that a deal is close.

Ian Laird, managing director of Moorbrook Textiles, told us: “We are encouraged by the interest shown by a number of parties who continue to express an interest in purchasing the business with a view to on site design, weaving and finishing of quality fabrics.

“This is encouraging for our employees who have remained positive and committed through this difficult period.

“We continue to work towards securing the right buyer who will benefit from the capability that exists on site.” Robert Noble’s can be traced back to 1666, established under the David Ballantyne name in Galashiels. It continues to supply high quality apparel fabrics and design services to leading fashion and clothing brands from March Street.

Replin Fabrics, which produces high quality fabrics for the transportation industry, was established in 1945.

Both brands were bought by Ayr-based Moorbrook Textiles in the 1990s.

Despite investment in the two plants and the brands, they have recently been unable to make a profit.

But local business leaders have been encouraged by recent developments.

Tweeddale councillor Stuart Bell, who is the local authority’s executive member for business, told us: “I understand that there has been some progress on two fronts.

“Scottish Enterprise are actively working with the business and supporting them in finding a buyer as a going concern.

“In the event of redundancies our PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) team have talked to employees about the support they can access.”