More jobs are on the way thanks to quarry deal

Jobs have been saved and more are on their way thanks to a new takeover deal which has been signed for Marsden Quarry.

O’Brien Aggregate Marsden Limited is the new owner of the quarry, situated on the Coast Road, in Whitburn.

The company, run by businessman Gordon O’Brien, follows the Owen Pugh group going into administration last October.

And, the deal has finally been completed after several months of discussions with involved parties.

The move has helped to safeguard the employment of about 30 existing staff with another 30 positions hopefully being created.

Mr O’Brien said: “I am relieved the deal has been completed. It has taken about five months. But we will be carrying on as normal.

“The jobs at the site are secure and we are hoping to create about 30 more jobs.

“There has been a lot of hard work in completing this deal and now we can focus on the operations.”

Mr O’Brien confirmed a meeting with Whitburn councillor, Coun Tracey Dixon, had been arranged to discuss the plans for the site.

Ahead of the announcement, residents had feared the land could be used as a rubbish tip.

Resident Ronnie Fenwick said: “We had visions of the quarry being turned into a tip. But if they have the same controls on the dust and it’s monitored, what else can you do? You can’t oppose it.”

Coun Dixon said: “The key thing for us is that the new owners work with elected members and the community and they understand the impact the quarry has on residents.

“It is a working quarry and we are pleased people are being able to keep their jobs and new vacancies created, but we do have a duty of care to our community.

“Moving forward, I hope we will be able to work together to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum for our residents.”