EXTRA homes, extra jobs. That's the exciting prospect as the old makes way for the new in Radcliffe.

Work has begun to demolish the former Radcliffe Paper Mill and in its place will come hundreds of new homes and a range of employment opportunities with the setting up of new industrial concerns.

Council officials in Bury have worked closely with developers Woodford Industries and house builders Barratt to try to get the right mix for the 14 hectare site. The aim is that much of the existing built-up area occupied by the old paper mill will be converted to light industry. Meanwhile, the higher ground to the south is to be re-contoured and it is there that the new homes will be built for private purchase.

Radcliffe Area Board chairman, Councillor Barry Briggs, said: "I think everyone was very sad and disappointed when the closure of the Radcliffe Paper Mill was announced.

"As a council, there was nothing we could do about that but we were determined to play a part in any subsequent use of the land. "That is why we have maintained discussions with both Woodford Industries and Barratt and I know that they, like ourselves, are pleased with the final outcome." He added: "This is yet another exciting time for Radcliffe and is a further major step forward in the regeneration of the town.

"Of course, we have lost an old and well established industry but new ones are coming in and at the same time there will be a major influx of new residents to Radcliffe which can only be to the good of the town."

Director of engineering for Woodford Industries, Mr Terry Dean, said: "We are regeneration specialists and have already been involved in recovering more than 100 acres of brownfield sites in the North West for social and private housing.

"This includes the former Smyrna Works also in Radcliffe. At the old Radcliffe Paper Mill site in Stand Lane we have the opportunity to return what is currently a disused site to beneficial use."

He went on: "At the same time, we want to enhance the amenities of the ecologically sensitive areas around the former mill reservoirs abutting Stand Golf course."

The 83-year-old mill, operated by BPB Paperboard, closed in 1998 with the loss of 285 jobs.

Later, the site went on the market with a £1.8 million price tag.

A spokesman for award-winning housebuilders, Barratt, added: "This will be a major development of approximately 300 new properties and as such will represent an important addition to the housing stock of the area."

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