A DISUSED factory in Blackwood is being converted into a salesroom for buying and hiring stretch limousines.

Local businessman Colin Price is in the process of moving from his premises in Pengam to the former Remploy factory unit on Bloomfield Road, Cefn Fforest.

He says the 23,000 sq ft unit he is buying is far bigger than his rented Pengam premises enabling him to expand his business and employ more staff.

The business is known as American Stretch Limousines but is to be given a new name when it opens in Blackwood in the first week of December.

"Blackwood is the place to be," Mr Price told the Argus yesterday. "It is only about a mile-and-a-half from where we are now but it is a good area.

"A lot of money is being spent on the town centre and that is attracting people to the area."

Mr Price has been in the car sales business for more than 20 years and converted to selling limousines only around three years ago.

He has sold 35 of the cars this year, mostly to people setting up car hire businesses, and also runs a rental service and mail-order service for spare parts.

Work is already under way on his new premises and he says it will include a reception area, offices for staff and the large showroom.

Blackwood councillor Darren Jones said the business was "very good news for the town". "These former factory buildings have been vacant for quite some time and I have been concerned about the potential for vandalism and the general untidiness of the site," he said.

"This business is taking advantage of a niche market and I wish it every success in its new home.

"Blackwood is continuing to attract more and more businesses and new job opportunities."