PLANS are in the pipeline to preserve a Second World War chemical weapons factory that has fallen into disrepair.

Rhydymwyn Valley Works, near Mold, is a former Second World War weapons site that was used to produce mustard gas and also took part in research into the first atomic bomb.

The Rhydymwyn Valley History Society (RVHS) contacted Delyn MP David Hanson because it was concerned about the state of the buildings, which had not been used since the mid-1990s.

Mr Hanson told the Leader: “I was approached by the RVHS to look at how it could preserve the buildings. I contacted DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and have received a letter from Caroline Spelman.”

In her letter Environment Secretary Miss Spelman said: “DEFRA is commissioning Purcell Miller Tritton, a historic building consultancy, to undertake a complete condition survey of the buildings on site and create a five year preservation plan.

“This will be developed in conjunction with the conservation bodies for Wales, including Flintshire County Council.”

The society believes Building 45, which carried out testing for the atomic bomb, should receive special attention.

RVHS chairman Colin Barber, said: “We are interested in all of the buildings but especially the internationally important Building 45 and its connection with the initial experimentation into nuclear physics. This is wonderful news.”