150 jobs on the way to Moxley

British Airways Pension Trustees Ltd own the site in Bull Lane.

The plan, which could see two new factories at the site, has been given the nod by Walsall Council.

Darlaston South councillor Doug James said it was wonderful news for the area.

"We are delighted for local people," he said. "The site has always had considerable potential and now BA Pensions are on board.

"We believe there will also be a large factory unit and a junior one alongside the main office.

"It's great news as hopefully it will create around 150 jobs. This is brilliant for that borderline area between Wednesbury and Walsall as it has taken so many hits in unemployment recently. This is so positive."

London based Canmoor developers is behind the build.

A spokesman said the 150 new jobs figure by Councillor James was 'in the right ballpark'.

There have been rumours and rumblings about the Ductile Wesson site ever since its closure in 2009.

"There have been lots of rumours of what it will be used for over the years," said Councillor James. "But now we have an answer and we believe work is intended to start in January.

"But we are making inquiries all the time as we want to keep the public informed and be as transparent as possible."

Around 150 people lost their jobs when the Wesson foundry shut down in 2009 - closing the door on 200 years of history.

The Wesson buildings were demolished in 2011 and the land has been targeted by fly-tippers and vandals ever since.

Wesson was acquired by William Henry Wesson in 1898 from Victoria Ironworks. Up until closure, the factory was running as a steel mill for automotive, hydraulic and engineering uses.