Union Unite has called for Tata Steel to "power ahead" with its pledge to invest in the Port Talbot steel mill.

The call comes as the company finalised the sales of its 42-inch and 84-inch submerged arc welded (SAW) pipe mills to Liberty House Group.

The deal will see around 140 workers transfer from Hartlepool to Liberty House, while the 20-inch tube mill also in Hartlepool and employing 270 staff will remain part of Tata.

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Previously, the company pledged to invest £1m to increase its capability to make high-strength tubes at the 20-inch mill.

Unite national officer Tony Brady said: "Today’s sale completion represents a fresh start and ends a great deal of uncertainty for a world class workforce.

"It is in no small part down to their hard work and efficiency that Tata has been able to find a reputable buyer and committed to further investment in its 20-inch mill.

"Unite looks forward to working with Liberty House to ensure the new business goes from strength to strength. Tata Steel must power ahead with its promise of investment into its Port Talbot plant and its associated sites to give workers the security they deserve."

(LM)