THE managing director of Wilton Carpets has assured people that he has no intention of moving the business out of the town.

Peter Le Count said rumours had been circulating that there were plans to move the firm, which employs 130 people, to Andover if space can’t be found in Wilton for it to expand.

But he said there is no foundation to the rumours and news of the go-ahead for the nearby eco park on land formerly occupied by Erskine Barracks means that employment land might become available to which the factory can expand.

“For many years we have been canvassing for employment land in Wilton because we want to expand,” said Mr Le Count.

“So when Erskine Barracks came up, we had some discussions because we want to protect our company in Wilton.

“It has been said that if we don’t find room to expand we will move to Andover, where we have a warehouse, but that is not the case.

“We want to keep our site here and have another site nearby so we can expand.”

It was announced last week that The Wilton Community Land Trust, working with developers OurEnterprise and Redrow, were the preferred bidders for the Ministry of Defence-owned site, Erskine Barracks.

Outline permission had already been granted for 450 homes and a business park but campaigners wanted to see an eco park on the 13.5-hectare site, with homes, leisure facilities, orchards, workshops and office space.

OurEnterprise put together plans for the site, based around sustainable housing, local employment, community involvement and a veterans’ facility, and the announcement that the plan was the preferred one was made last Monday.

Carpets have been associated with Wilton since the 18th century and Wilton carpets can be found across the world, gracing hotels, pubs and even cruise ships.