One of the best-known luxury brands in the county is facing court action amid claims it has breached emission guidelines.

Cumbria Crystal's boss, Chris Blade, is due to appear in court next month in action being brought about by South Lakeland District Council.

But council bosses have been urged to review their decision to prosecute, amid claims it could be "highly damaging" to the Ulverston-based company's reputation and its long-term future.

John Woodcock, the MP for Barrow and Furness, has written to every elected councillor at SLDC urging a rethink, including council leader Giles Archibald.

The note, seen by The Mail, says: "As an elected councillor you will doubtless share our community‘s concern about the future of local jobs in Ulverston following GSK‘s decision to cancel its landmark biopharm investment and seek to sell the Ulverston site.

"The GSK hammer blow makes it all the more important that we support good local jobs, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

"Hence I am imploring you to help stop your council's prosecution of our prized and world-renowned local Ulverston manufacturer, Cumbria Crystal."

The Mail understands that SLDC is prosecuting Cumbria Crystal because it alleges it breached lead emission guidelines in 2015.

While Cumbria Crystal has declined to comment on the matter, it is understood a raft of measures were taken to address the issue.

For that reason, Mr Woodcock is calling for the charges to be dropped, claiming they will do more harm than good.

He says: "The high regard in which this firm is held was demonstrated just this week by the visit of Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester to the site, an event in which the chairman and chief executive of South Lakeland District Council participated.

"It is also heralded at launch of the new government business initiative called 'Be the Business', currently rolling out across the country, as an exemplar of how businesses can improve productivity."

Mr Woodcock adds that while an alleged breach of emission guidelines is a serious matter, and that heightened scrutiny of the business was the right course of action, the drastic action taken to address matters should be a huge mitigating factor.

Cumbria Crystal is known the world over for its products and is the only luxury crystal manufacturer left in the UK. Its products have featured in TV programmes such as Downton Abbey and on the big screen in James Bond films.

Recently the company signed a deal with Bentley to provide special glasses for a new luxury model of car.

A spokesman for South Lakeland District Council said: “It would not be appropriate for the council to comment on any matter which is subject to legal proceedings.

"To do so could, potentially, result in prejudice to any parties' case. We will comment once the matter has been heard by the court. We understand the first hearing will be listed at Barrow Magistrates’ Court on August 14.”