SIX new enterprise centres, which could create over 100 new businesses and 600 jobs, are to be created throughout the borough.

As a result of research which showed a shortage of accommodation for small businesses on this side of the borough, two will be developed in Atherton, one in Leigh and one in Tyldesley.

The project will be carried out with funding from the European Community and the Coalfield Challenge and Investing in Tomorrow's Citizens Regeneration programmes.

Schemes being developed in the next year, many in partnership with other agencies, include:

Butts Street, Leigh - a partnership scheme between Wigan Metro Development Company, Acorn Building Services and Coalfield Challenge, to develop an enterprise centre for new business start ups and adjoining industrial units. This will provided much needed workspace for new firms.

Atherton - a joint development with a local developer will see the acquisition and refurbishment of the largest mill in the area to provide a range of industrial and office units

And working with the Dorset Road Community Centre, the council will create a small youth enterprise centre to develop a number of local business ideas.

Tyldesley - the council is helping Tyldesley Pentecotal Church to convert the former college building into a training and enterprise centre.

The Centre for Trade and Technology Transfer (CT3), will be a new office building next to Wigan Investment Centre to provide accommodation for firms in the high technology sectors. The building, funded by the council's development company, will provide some 24,000sq ft on three floors.

Negotiations are at an advanced stage in Norley to secure the acquisition and refurbishment of a building as a youth and community enterprise centre.

Chairman of the council's economic resources sub-committee, Cllr Fred Walker, said: "This programme demonstrates the council's continuing commitment to the provision of jobs for the people in the borough.

"The schemes show the council's ability to work with a wide range of agencies and partners to bring in funds and to create projects which will benefit the borough."

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