A local business is to move into the abandoned Gelert warehouse in Porthmadog – creating around 15 new jobs and securing the 30 positions already in the area.

Penrhyndeudraeth company Babi Pur has confirmed that it is to move into Gelert House in Porthmadog after growing too big for its current location.

The baby goods retailer was set up in 2007 by husband and wife Jolene and Peter Barton.

Jolene said: “We had outgrown our previous warehouses and offices, and it was proving very difficult for us to cope with our expansion.

“Now we can concentrate on our natural growth again. Finding somewhere local is brilliant, it means we secure around 30 jobs in the area and we can expand our workforce by around 50 per cent over the next 12 to 18 months.”

Local county councillor Nia Jeffreys welcomed the news, saying: “This is great news - Babi Pur are a brilliant success story.”

Cllr Jeffreys added: “This is just the type of innovative and ethical business we need in Dwyfor Meirionnydd. The business is totally rooted here and gives so much back to the community. Jolene Barton is an inspirational role model - she is a local woman who started with a good idea and, after years of hard work and commitment, has a successful business. I wish her and her husband Peter and all their staff the best in their new premises, I know they will go from strength to strength.”

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