AGREEMENT has been reached to find a new home for a Runcorn company in the path of the proposed £431 million Mersey Gateway crossing.

Halton Council has settled with Ventcroft on the Astmoor industrial estate for an undisclosed sum.

David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, said: “This is an ideal solution as it will allow the Mersey Gateway Project to progress, achieve the relocation of the Ventcroft buisness and keep jobs in the borough.

“The discussions with Ventcroft have been lengthy as this has been a complex relocation.

“We have had a series of extensive meetings with the company and its representatives and are delighted that we have been able to resolve this issue so everyone is satisfied.”

Award-winning Ventcroft employs 48 people and was founded in 1989, It is the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of fire and safetyproducts.

The company supplies high quality cable and electronic products to customers in more than 50 countries.

The council is continuing to negotiate with other parties over the acquisition of other land that is required to allow the project to go ahead.

Johnsons Lane, council owned land in Widnes, has been earmarked as a potential site for businesses that need to relocate.