TWELVE jobs will be returning to Ramsbottom - and more could be generated - if plans for a new mortar plant find favour with councillors.

Bosses at Marshalls Mono, based in Fletcher Bank Quarry, shifted their mortar and screed batching operation to Swinton more than eight years ago.

But with the lease on their Swinton site about to expire, the firms want to bring the operation back to the borough, under their Premier Mortars line.

Planning agent Imogen Scotney said: "It is proposed to locate the plant centrally within the site, between the existing concrete block works and the quarry."

Marshalls has operated the wider concrete works at the quarry, off Manchester Road, for a number of years.

Ms Scotney added: "The operation will secure 12 full time jobs, including plant operators and delivery drivers, and will support additional jobs elsewhere within Premier in upstream and downstream support industries."

The proposed batching plant would include "largely open plant and machinery, sealed cement storage silos and aggregate storage bays", according to proposals lodged with Bury Council.

An environmental permit would also be sought for the operation from the local authority, it has been confirmed.

"The proposal will help to strengthen Marshalls’ business in Ramsbottom and, in turn, the local economy by securing further local employment opportunities," added Ms Scotney.