A PLASTICS firm is gearing up for a move to new premises which is expected to create more than 20 jobs.

Weltonhurst Ltd's multi-million pound factory at Centurion Way, Blackburn, will be completed ahead of schedule in early March.

Staff from its Bottomcroft Mill, Darwen, and sister company P D Plastics at Skelmersdale will relocate to the purpose-built site.

Around 100 people are employed at the Darwen factory which manufactures plastic products, including traffic cones, dustbins, and water butts.

The move to larger premises will create 20 new jobs with more expected to follow as the business expands.

Managing director Paul Burrows said: "We are delighted that the contractors have finished our new site early.

"The move will take place gradually over three months. The first piece of machinery at the factory will be a large £700,000 blowmoulder from Italy.

"And we are also to be presented with our Investors in People award shortly after the factory is finished."

Weltonhurst has faced a series of problems at its present site during the past three years.

These began with a roof collapse, followed by clashes with residents over access for heavy goods vehicles and the height of their new roof.

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