A NEW bridge study could be the key to unlocking 1,200 jobs on the site of a former plastic factory in Hapton, say council chiefs.

Councillors in Burnley are set to release £50,000 to allow investigations to take place into the possibility of building a new spur road off junction nine of the M65 at Hapton.

The blueprints would involve building an access bridge over the Leeds Liverpool Canal to provide better access to the former Hepworth's plastics site.

Council regeneration spokesman Alex Hooley said: "Once completed it is anticipated the development of the former Hepworth's site will provide in excess of 1,200 jobs."

Work on the scheme, including a feasability study for possible bridgeworks, will be undertaken by BWB Consulting on behalf of Lancashire-based Shawbrook Developments.

Mr Hooley added: "The site currently suffers from restricted access via a single-track road leading to Manchester Road in Hapton.

"Past studies of the site have concluded that only with direct access to the motorway will the site fulfil its potential to become a prime brownfield industrial development."

If the bridge found favour then it is expected that it would help to relieve traffic in and around Hapton and Padiham.

Currently the only way of reaching the Hepworth's site, and other industrial areas like Shuttleworth Mead, is by leaving the motorway at junction eight and using the A56.

The study is set to take place over the next six months before a decision is made about whether or not to pursue the scheme.