THE 50-acre factory site of the former United Glass works on Warrington Road, Peasley Cross, has been sold to Haydock-based property company, the Langtree Group.

The area, comprising 685,000 sq. ft of manufacturing plant, warehousing and associated offices, has been vacant since the glass factory closed down in March this year.

Langtree plan to transform the site into an industrial estate creating new jobs in the area. The group's development director, John Downes, said: "We are delighted to add such a prestigious site to our expanding portfolio. St Helens is important to us and the development of this site will further add to the growing economy of the area."

In 1996, Langtree acquired the site of the Volex Wiring factory and created Lea Green Business Park which is now occupied by 14 businesses employing more than 150 people. The company also recently announced a joint venture with St Helens Council to develop the former Sherdley Colliery site.

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