THE first phase of a £1.5 million investment at Watchet's Wansbrough paper mill swung into town on Sunday.

A new 145-ton boiler was successfully transported from Sedgemoor Services on the M5 to the mill, accompanied by a police escort and plenty of onlookers.

The 16-foot wide boiler - carried on a 100 foot long vehicle - caused delays for motorists as it made its way through Bridgwater and along the A39.

But although police had warned the journey could take up to seven hours, it actually arrived at its final destination - the mill's power house - in just over four hours.

Wansbrough's engineering manager Chris Northam said the transportation had been successful and without incident.

"Everything went well and we had arranged for a 200-ton hydraulic lift to take it off the transporter," he said.

The Thermax twin furnace package boiler, supplied by industrial specialists Cochran in Scotland, will replace a steam turbine.

Mr Northam said the mill had previously generated its own electricity but the cost involved had proved uneconomical.

The replacement low pressure boiler would only be used to dry paper.

But it will be one of two boilers, with the second expected to be delivered in early April.

"We are planning to get the first boiler installed and connected to all services to commence commissioning from February 6," said Mr Northam.

"We then want to get it into full operation as soon as possible to enable the removal of our second old boiler."

Mr Northam said the new boilers were part of a £1.5m project.

"It's a major investment and good news for the mill - it shows confidence," he said.

Wansbrough, which employs around 170 people, is part of the DS Smith Paper Division.