EAST Lancashire is set for a fight to host a new enterprise zone that could create thousands of jobs.

The Government’s flagship scheme is creating 21 of the regeneration areas across the country.

But Lancashire has been told only one bid for the zones will be accepted from the county.

That means regeneration leaders from East Lancs, Blackpool and Preston are set for a battle to see which option is put forward.

Enterprise zones would enjoy more relaxed planning laws, super-fast broadband and reduced business rates.

Last week the Prime Minister announced North Staffordshire would be the latest area in the scheme.

Bosses hope to create a specialist manufacturing area that will create 3,000 jobs.

East Lancs’s leaders want to transform 150 hectares of land by the M65 near Blackburn.

Regenerate Pennine Lancashire boss Steve Hoyle was today due to meet a counterpart at Lancashire County Council to discuss potential bids.

Mr Hoyle said: “We know our preference and we will find out what the county council’s thinking is. There needs to be a consensus because competing bids will not do well.”

County council leader Geoff Driver admitted there could be disagreements between representatives in parts of Lancashire over which bid is chosen.

He added: “We have no preference at the moment.”

The county’s LEP board will decide which enterprise zone to submit later this month.