BURNLEY is set for a jobs boost after it was today announced a host of companies are to relocate to an industrial estate in the town.

The borough council said it was in discussions with four firms, three of which are from outside Burnley, about setting up base on the Heasandford Industrial Estate.

It not known exactly how many jobs will be created but it is believed 80 skilled and semi-skilled posts will initially be created leading to further employment.

Among the businesses will be a hi-tech engineering firm creating 30 skilled jobs.

And today the news was hailed as a major coup for the town by civic leaders.

Executive member for regeneration Coun Andy Tatchell said developments such as the Elevate housing programme, the new St Peter's Health and Leisure Centre, the proposed Oval shopping development as well as competitive land prices and a skilled workforce were acting as a catalyst attracting further investment to Burnley.

He said: "It's a great start to 2006 for Burnley, there's so much development taking place across the town, changing the face of Burnley.

"It feels like new life is being breathed into Burnley taking the town forward. and this is what helps to attract new business, acting as a catalyst for further investment." Burnley MP Kitty Ussher added: "This is great news and it shows manufacturing can succeed in Burnley.

"I think Burnley has as much to be proud of in the future then it does of its past."

The unnamed firms have bought land on the Widow Hill Road estate and will submit planning applications to Burnley Council.

It is expected they will be up and running within nine months.

The move follows a number of developments in the town last year which are aimed at arresting Burnley's ailing manufacturing industry.

These included the opening of the £3.7 million Lancashire Digital Technology Centre, on the former Michelin factory in Bancroft Road and window and door manufacturer Veka who completed a £9.5 million expansion at its Rossendale Road Industrial Estate site.

Neil Hartley, treasurer of Burnley Chamber of Trade, said: "We have lost so many manufacturing companies over the years so anything like this is more than welcome and long may it continue. We really do need more skilled jobs because the talent is here."