A JOBS boost is in the pipeline for Hyndburn's workforce as work begins on a new £700,000 industrial site.

Two 20,000 sq ft units, costing a total of £700,000, are being built on land off Alan Ramsbottom Way, Great Harwood, to attract business into the town.

The project is being funded by Hyndburn Borough Council and Barnfield Construction Ltd, of Nelson, under a partnership called Barnfield and Hyndburn Ltd.

The company has found the majority of the money for the scheme, supplemented by £215,000 in European grants.

The East Lancashire Partnership is also sponsoring the building work, which is expected to be completed in the autumn.

Directors of Barnfield and Hyndburn Ltd claim the units will create jobs for people in Great Harwood, Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors. To illustrate the success expected, the company has pointed to a completed four-year scheme to refurbish two mills at West Street in Great Harwood.

Local and international companies have moved into units at the refurbished, 150,000 sq ft former Premier Mill site.

Company chairman Tim Webber said: "There is a proven demand for good quality industrial space in Great Harwood.

"Firms in the area are seeking modern and easily accessible business units for expansion and relocation." Council leader Coun George Slynn, who is also a director of Barnfield and Hyndburn Ltd, added: "This will create business units with in walking distance of local homes.

"It will allow local firms operating in cramped conditions to relocate and grow, resulting in new job opportunities."

Businesses who are interested in moving into the new units at Alan Ramsbottom Way can call Jason Rawson on 01254 380169 or Alex Taylor on 01254 693633.

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