AROUND 100 new jobs are to be created and 160 more safeguarded as insurance giant Endsleigh extends its commitment to East Lancashire.

The firm has been operating from its Ashworth House base in Manchester Road, Burnley, but after striking a deal with the council, it will move to a new town centre location in January 2016.

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And as part of that move it will take on around 100 new staff over the course of next year. The deal has been hailed as a huge boost for Burnley, with the extra staff also providing a boost to the town centre economy.

Councillor Sue Graham, Burnley Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “Endsleigh have been in Burnley for a very long time so for them to reaffirm their commitment to the area is fantastic news.

“An extra 100 jobs is a significant number in this day and age and they are good, white collar jobs as well. The new office is in the town centre so it is not just the new jobs but the knock-on effect as well..

“This is a company that could have relocated anywhere in the country so for them to commit to Burnley is great news.”

Exact plans for the relocation have yet to be finalised, but bosses at Endsleigh said it would help existing staff, who are heavily involved in the move.

A spokesman for Endsleigh said: “We are moving to a new space because it is better for our current and future needs.

“The business will all be located on one floor rather than spread across four floors as it is at the moment, and this will allow for a more dynamic working environment. The new site will feature updated equipment.

“Burnley Council has supported the move and helped us to find a new premises.

“There will be more information on the types of roles available in the coming months,.

“The aim is to move into the new premises in January 2016.”

Julie Cooper, MP for Burnley, said: “ Going forward Burnley is a town which is on the up and long may it continue.”