A HOUSING provider has clarified that there has been no evidence of any "ex-military equipment or shells" being found at the site of an upcoming development.

Works have begun on a 168-home project on land at a former glassworks site off Lancots Lane, in Sutton.

Th development will see a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, being built in partnership with housing provider Torus.

Developer Holmpatrick Developments Limited is the contractor for the project.

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The Star was made aware of suggestions that the developers at the site had come across old military shells at the site, and claims they contained mustard gas.

Part of the old Sutton Glassworks site in Lancots Lane had been used during the First World War, as 'Sutton Bond' for the manufacture of munitions.

Rows of shells at Sutton Bond munitions factory in Lancots Lane, Sutton, in around 1915Rows of shells at Sutton Bond munitions factory in Lancots Lane, Sutton, in around 1915 (Image: suttonbeauty.org.uk (Stephen Wainwright))

However, when asked about these claims a Torus spokesperson said no ex-military equipment had been located at the site.

A Torus spokesperson said: "Lancots Lane is currently in the groundwork and foundation stage of the new build scheme with our local St Helens based approved developer, Holmpatrick Developments Limited.

"We want to reassure the community there has been no evidence of any ex-military equipment or shells found on-site during this initial stage of the scheme."