A SCHEME to create a green business park in East Lancashire has moved a major step nearer.

A report outlining the findings of a feasibility study into the proposed park at Carrs Industrial Estate in Haslingden has now been sent to the Regional Development Agency and the Environment Agency in a bid for cash to support the project.

The aim of the business park is to become a centre of excellence for environmental best practice, helping firms to make savings from energy and waste conservation.

"We have put forward a strong case for this initiative and are confident that we can attract our share of the funding available in the North West," said Trevor Boothman, business environment advisor for Rossendale & Hyndburn.

"The scheme has generated considerable interest among business and we had a high response to questionnaires we sent."

The scheme has brought together more than 40 companies on and around the Carrs Industrial Estate. A task force has looked at issues including traffic reduction, landscaping and recycling.

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