MORE than 1,100 jobs will be created in South Ribble, as government inspectors have given the go-ahead to a massive business park, writes DAVID HIGGERSON.

Work on the new site, which is close to the end of the M65 in Bamber Bridge, will begin in the summer when a new B&Q warehouse is built.

It will be followed by restaurant chain Holiday Inn Express and several other "high quality" businesses.

The approval by government inspectors follows acceptance of the plans by South Ribble Borough Council last year.

Borough planning supremo Councillor Cliff Hughes said: "This project won't appear overnight but it's a step in the right direction. "We lost a lot when things changed at Leyland Motors. This is an ideal opportunity for us to move on."

Locals expressed concern about the effect of the development at a public inquiry held last May. They fear it will cause traffic chaos during rush hour.

But councillors say they will improve local roads to minimise the impact of the business complex.

Other firms, one of which is believed to be BT, are expected to confirm their interest in the site over the next few weeks.

Government inspector John Sheppard said: "It is very unlikely that this would have a harmful impact on the existing town or district centres, although retailers in the same field can expect new competition."

And AMEC, who are constructing the site, say they are glad the planning process is over.

The firm's Andy Boucher said: "Great care has been taken in the design to ensure that is sympathetic to the surrounding area."

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