FORTY jobs are being created at a new Blackburn gastro pub.

Restaurateur Jocelyn Neve has taken over the former Hordens site, in Livesey Branch Road, and is transforming it into the Oyster and Otter.

The eatery will also have an on-site takeaway offering fish and chips.

Miss Neve, 25, who has previously worked in Manchester city centre restaurants, has teamed up with site owner Thwaites on the development.

They are ploughing in £600,000 to install a new kitchen, furniture, toilets and flooring to create a 140-cover pub.

Meanwhile, Miss Neve has drafted in former Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge chef Anthony Shirley to cook modern British food with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

Miss Neve also moved to reassure neighbours.

Last month, a councillor in the area said he was ‘furious’ at the plans.

However, Miss Neve said that after talking to residents, they understood that the noise and disruption would be minimal.