AS many as 40 jobs will be created over the next five years at a new eco centre in Burnley. The community centre off Rossendale Road is going ahead because of a £95,637 cash boost from English Partnerships.

It will be run by South West Burnley Community Enterprise and will include a childcare business and a food co-operative.

It is being built on a green theme, with fixtures and fittings to put minimal strain on the environment.

Designers have incorporated solar panel and compost toilets.

The first phase of the project got under way when contractor JM Bentley made the road leading to the building site.

Eventually around 650 people will use the centre. As well as being a base for ten youth, community and social organisations it will also assist eight small or medium sized firms and eight business start-ups.

English Partnerships development manager Mark Phillips said he was delighted to see the project taking shape.

He said: "There is nothing like this facility in the South West Burnley area and following a feasibility study we are confident that there will be a strong level of demand for the space and facilities provided within the centre."

Community Enterprise company secretary and treasurer Chris Keene said: "With the investment from English Partnerships we are now able to build a centre which will be a focal point for the community and help stimulate the local economy through a combination of complementary measures.

"We are very pleased to be part of the pilot project and look forward to helping develop local business, particularly those which lay an emphasis on green issues."

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