NELSON-based property developers Barnfield Construction today announced details of a £10m business park in the Whitebirk area of Blackburn.

Fifteen-acre Trident Park, located off junction six of the M65, will include executive car showrooms, an attractive canalside office park and modern industrial units.

Mike Damms, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, gave an enthusiastic welcome to the project.

He said: "We have been actively supportive of a campaign to secure European and domestic funds for the development of the Whitebirk area in order to attract inward and local investment.

"Such prestigious and modern sites are essential if the whole sub-region is to improve its image and attract higher added value jobs."

Mark Taylforth, property director of Barnfield, said: "We are delighted work is under way after an extended period of planning negotiations.

"Barnfield are involved in developments throughout the country.

"But we have made a conscious decision to keep our base in East Lancashire where our business has flourished.

"East Lancashire is a thriving area.

"It offers good transport routes and communications, a skilled labour force, and the availability of grants and support from local authorities.

"It is becoming increasingly attractive to companies wishing to expand or set up their business in the area."

Barnfield Construction is one of the leading industrial and commercial developers along the M65 corridor.

Over the past 10 years, it has been involved in more than £100 million of development between Colne and Preston, including the Network 65 Business Park at Burnley and the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in Nelson.