A TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant is bracing itself for a stampede by job seekers.

Around 2,000 jobs are up for grabs now that Cellnet has chosen to site its regional call centre on Dumers Lane in Radcliffe.

But bosses are refusing to release recruitment details until the massive development has a cast-iron guarantee.

Company spokesman Mr Damian Peachey said: "At this stage it would be premature to comment. We do not want to make any announcements until all the t's have been crossed and the i's dotted."

The only thing that could now prevent the development taking place is Bury Council refusing planning permission for a 500-space two-storey car park.

But this is extremely unlikely as the council has worked closely with Cellnet to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Borough planning officer Mr Jim Metcalf said: "We do not anticipate any objections or problems. In fact, permission for a change of use from general industrial to business was given within just seven days."

If all goes to plan the centre will be fully operational by October.

Councillor Barry Briggs, chairman of the Radcliffe Renewal Advisory Committee, said: "I am clearly delighted. Besides giving a major boost to the local economy, it inspires confidence and will hopefully encourage other companies to follow suit and invest."

He said the news was particularly welcome in light of employment setbacks last September when it was announced that Radcliffe Paper Mill was to close with the loss of 285 jobs.

That same month saw 45 redundancies at the Milltown Street mouldings company, Mawson Triton, and in February of this year there were 15 redundancies at Trumeter on the same road.

"If old industries decline then you have to attract new ones and that is precisely what is happening," said Coun Briggs. "This town does have a future."

Cellnet chose to come to the area partly because they like local people's accent.

A survey carried out by the company found that customers liked the Bury borough accent and found it soothing.

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