A MAJOR Ribble Valley employer has announced it is looking to recruit more members of staff in the new year.

Hanson Cement in Clitheroe could see its production level return to normal by the end of January after having to cut back production over the last few years.

In April the company revealed that production would mainly shift back to Clitheroe and new jobs could be created as a result.

Plant manager Gary Young said around 12 jobs will be created by the end of the year, bringing the total workforce to around 90 members.

The news comes two years after 30 jobs were lost at the Ribblesdale factory, reducing its workforce from 108 to 78.The firm also cut production by 30 per cent.

The number of trains supplying Hanson Cement will increase to six because of the changes and there will also be an increase in the numbers of trucks arriving at and departing from the site.

Mr Young said: “We have been in the doldrums over the last few years but the industry has been picking up nationally over the last few months and we are starting to see the effects of that now.

“It’s a great step for us and we are in a healthy position now.”

Clitheroe Town Council leader Coun Mary Robinson said: “It’s absolutely wondering that such a large employer in the borough is on the up.

“It’s great that more jobs will be created because that’s something that is desperately needed in the area.

“It’s fantastic news for the local economy, local people and the whole of the Ribble Valley.”

Pollution fears at the site were silenced in 1997 after the Environment Agency said residents had nothing to fear after the company started burning Cemfuel in 1995.