INDUSTRIAL sites owned by two companies which closed their Barrow operations with the total loss of almost 200 jobs have been sold to new owners.

Commercial estate agent CBRE confirmed the sale of the former Gyrodata and Partylite premises in Barrow this week.

Acting on behalf of Partylite, CBRE has sold the 30-acre Sandscale Park, which includes a 100,000 sq ft warehouse with offices, to waste management firm JJC for an undisclosed sum.

Only last October, Cumbria County Council issued a legal "stop notice" to JJC after the waste and skip hire firm was found to be dumping waste at the Partylite site without planning permission.

The former Gyrodata premises, which includes a 33,772 sq ft factory with a secure yard on a total site of 7.5 acres, has been sold to Askam-based construction company Harry Barker Properties.

Paul Cook, senior director of industrial agency at CBRE Manchester, said: "These deals in Barrow are reflective of the area's continued success as a logistics and business location.

"The connectivity via road and rail makes it an attractive destination for occupiers and the success of both industrial parks is testament to the continued interest and confidence in the area."

Gyrodata closed its Meeting View site in January with the loss of 40 jobs, blaming the oil price slump for the decision to pull out of Barrow. The company makes a drilling system used by oil and gas exploration companies.

It also has a site in Aberdeen and an R&D department in Cambridge, which remained open.

Around 150 jobs were lost the previous January when candle manufacturer Partylite closed its huge factory and warehouse at Sandscale Park.