WORK has begun on a £4.8 million scheme that will create up to 275 jobs.

The project, due to completed before the turn of the Millennium, will transform derelict sites at Knowsley Park Way and Charles Lane in Haslingden.

New industrial units and a high tech business park will be built as part of the scheme which is a joint venture between Rossendale-based Hurstwood Developments and air filter firm Camfil of Haslingden.

The project is being backed by more than half-a-million pounds of funding from the Action for Haslingden Partnership initiative.

Camfil recently announced it was moving out of its premises at Charles Lane into a new purpose-built factory at Knowsley Park Way. The remainder of the five acre site will be developed to offer industrial units for small and medium sized businesses.

Hurstwood has bought Camfil's former site and will redevelop it to create a 20-unit business park.

"Grant assistance from the Haslingden Partnership safeguarded a major investment in the area, prompting Camfil and us to invest further in Haslingden and help to preserve and create jobs," said Steven Ashworth, managing director of Hurstwood Developments.

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