A £5 MILLION investment bringing more than 400 jobs to Blackburn was today hailed as a major coup for the town.

The move - the biggest of its kind for several years - is seen as further evidence that the M65 extension will breathe new life into the town's economy.

Household textile manufacturer Rectella is relocating to Blackburn, taking over a warehouse site at Roman Road.

Rectella, which manufactures ready-made curtains and bedding, currently operates from two sites at Atherton and Chorley.

Christine Blackford, the firm's financial director, said warehousing and manufacturing work from the two sites would gradually be moved over to the former Coates Viyella premises in Blackburn.

"We expect it to be some time before things are up and running there.

"It is difficult to say what the jobs situation will be depending on how many of our staff want to transfer but eventually we expect to be employing around 400 there." Staff from Blackburn's economic development unit have been working with the firm for some time.

"The commitment to the development by the unit and the support given to us in the feasibility stage of this project gave us the confidence to proceed with this investment," said Mrs Blackford.

Blackburn Council today heralded the announcement as a major boost for the area.

"The completion of the M65 is opening up strategic sites for investment," said Blackburn Council leader councillor Malcolm Doherty.

"The signs are promising that more companies will take advantage of the improved accessibility of these key sites."

Councillor Ashley Whalley, chairman of the council's economic development and employment committee, said the news was "further evidence that the local economy is getting stronger."

"While it means that two factories in our neighbouring boroughs will close, had Blackburn not stepped in it is our understanding that these jobs would have been lost in the North West."

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