THE final stages of turning much of a former chemical works site into a nature reserve are gathering pace.

The former William Blythe Chemical Works site in Hapton was the base for chemical manufacture from the late-1800s until 2006.

At its height, around 1,000 people worked at the plant.

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Now green services business Glendale, based in Chorley, has been awarded the contract to provide horticultural maintenance to the recently completed landfill restoration project at the plant.

It will undertake a range of services including the management of wildflower meadows and a new woodland on the 38-acre site.

Another part of the former factory site has been earmarked for a sprawling new housing estate of around 280 homes, overlooking the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

Dave Barkley, contract manager for Glendale, said: “The contract is a fantastic opportunity for us, it’s something different that still incorporates our green space management expertise.

“The services we are providing on behalf of our client, RSK Environment Ltd, are crucial for ensuring the site continues to flourish.”

More than 70,000 sq m of the original 38-acre site has been converted into a nature haven home to a wide variety of wildlife including nesting Lapwings, a protected species of bird, making it an offence to disturb an active nest.

Lynne Houlbrooke, senior landscape architect for RSK Environment Ltd, said: “The restoration will physically and aesthetically integrate the site with its wider context within the Calder Valley.

The contract is set to last for a period of three years.