UP to 70 new jobs could be created as work starts on a £1.7 million office block development in Blackpool.

The 16,500 square feet development at Blackpool Business Park, off Squires Gate Lane, will be able to house six new companies that could generate up to 70 jobs.

Multi-million pound Accrington-based developer The Glen Mill Group is behind the project. The group previously built a similar development at Avroe Court which is now fully occupied and has created 60 new jobs.

The first sod was cut on the development at Sir Frank Whittle Way today (Thursday) by the company's managing director, Peter Shearon, and Fylde Mayor Coun Patricia Fieldhouse.

Blackpool council executive member Roy Lewis said that the prospect of a further jobs boost was great news for the Fylde and a fantastic start to the New Year.

"This is another good example of Blackpool and Fylde councils working together under the Fylde Coast Initiative to attract investment in our boroughs," he said.

More than 1,000 people are currently employed on the new Blackpool Business Park.