NYCOMED Amersham has confirmed it will be putting forward plans to redevelop part of its site but say the company is determined to keep the workforce in the town.

The health and science group announced the proposals last week and said it will be consulting with neighbours and local councils in the New Year before going ahead with the plan.

It has been looking at plans for the long-term development of the White Lion Road site to bring the buildings up to modern standards.

Dr John Padfield, speaking at the presentation of Nycomed Amersham's 14th Queen's Award for Enterprise, said the company was determined to maintain its scientific expertise and skilled workforce in the Amersham area.

He added: "We intend to put forward a scheme which will bring our facilities up to the standards required for the 21st century."

Dr Padfield formally accepted the Queen's Award on behalf of Nycomed Amersham Imaging, from Sir Nigel Mobbs, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, at a special ceremony at White Lion Road earlier this month. The award recognised the company's imaging business success in more than doubling its export sales during the late 1990s.