Vet's clinic plans at long established Leyland pet food company

Long-established R&E Bamford, who operate from Globe Mill, Midge Hall Lane, say they are seeking to talk to local vets who would be interested in occupying the proposed facility.

Bamford's have submitted a planning application for an extension at the mill which dates back to 1800.

The development would include a ground floor veterinary surgery, first floor offices and additional warehouse storage, together with a car parking area.

Mark Jackson, operations manager at Bamford's, said: "It's still in its early stages. Our plan is to invite a local company to take these premises and ground floor - we're looking for a partner to do that with us.

"A lot of the veterinary surgeries now are opening up satellite branches from the main surgery. People go with smaller queries and if they need anything further they go to the main hub

"We've got our pet feed shop on site with 150 customers coming each day and we think it's a good fit for a vet partner."

Bamford's have been in business for three generations.

Robert Bamford, who was born in Bretherton, founded the company, which employs some 50 staff and supplies to local, national and international customers.

The mill is situated in the Midge Hall area of Leyland within the green belt, to the west of Moss Side industrial area and about two miles from Leyland town centre.

The existing complex has been altered and expanded a number of times over the years and is a large employer in the area.

The site is within a cluster of buildings and features that include a pub, a railway level crossing and some housing.

The proposed steel portal frame building would be part two-storey, part single-storey

A planning statement in support of the application, which has been submitted to South Ribble Council, states: "The proposed extension is considered vital to increase the diversity of the site adding an easily accessible veterinary practice, much needed office space and further dry storage of bulk product placements and will create further employment at the factory site."