IT was a case of Love Thy Neighbour when housebuilders Bellway discovered a family of endangered newts were living next to their latest development site.
Managing director Richard Edgington decided he wanted to ensure the dwindling population of great crested newts were given a helping hand to flourish.
The strategy means the newt -official name Triturus Cristatus - will be safe and well in an improved living environment, including a brand new pond.
Mr Edgington and his team in the Merseyside office of Bellway said they were committed to a range of measures to ensure the dwindling population of the species had the best chance of survival.
Mr Edgington said: "When we announced our plans to create a new village in Rivacre, Ellesmere Port, we also committed ourselves to a wildlife protection strategy.
"Since that time we have been working closely with Ellesmere Port & Neston Council and specialist environmental consultants, Penny Anderson Associates.
"Together, we have drawn up a long-term plan to ensure the small population of great crested newts currently living on part of our new development land is given the best chance of survival and indeed will flourish."
The newts are a protected species across Europe and Bellway has provided a combination of wet and dry habitat conditions in a protected wildlife area at Ellesmere Port.
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