GREAT Crested newts which were discovered on a local industrial park development awoke from their six-month hibernation period to find that they were moving to a new home.
The newts - a protected species in decline throughout Europe - put a stop to the development of Haydock Cross industrial and distribution park when they were found on a site earmarked for industrial development 18 months ago.
Since then the park's owners, Allied London Industrial Properties, have been working with an environmental consultancy, the Environment Partnership and St Helens Borough Council to create a new environment for the newts.
So far, the company has invested in the region of £20, 000 in transferring the newts from the site, along with flora and fauna. The newts will be relocated to their new pond over a number of weeks.
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