Construction deals offer hope.

SKELMERSDALE builder Construction Partnership UK has clinched four new contracts worth pounds 13m.

And managing director Steve Burke believes the new work, together with several major projects they are in talks on, could indicate an upturn in the north west construction scene..

He said: "The contracts we have sealed, and started on site in recent weeks, shows it is not all doom and gloom in the construction sector.

"There are good, solid projects going ahead in the north west with more in the pipeline." The firm is building a new pounds 2.6m two-storey office complex at the home of Premium Bond organisation Ernie in Blackpool. It is also on site building a 60-bed care home in Southport for Melton Healthcare worth pounds 3.5m.

And its construction team has begun preparation work on a pounds 6m-plus luxury private residential scheme on the outskirts of Blackbur n.

The west Lancashire-based firm has now also sealed a pounds 600,000 deal with construction giant Costain on a PFI waste treatment project in Greater Manchester.

Mr Burke added several large scale projects later in the year are also in the pipeline..