THERE was double jobs joy today as two major business expansion plans promised extra work and investment in Burnley and Pendle.

Business could soon be booming on Burnley's new Network 65 industrial estate - with firms lining up for a slice of the action.

And a Colne firm says it is set to take on extra staff by expanding out of its cramped town centre factory into the Bairdtex mill in Trawden.

Town hall bosses in Burnley say more than 20 companies have show an interest in moving in to Network 65 - bringing new jobs and major investment.

They aim to sell at least 10 acres of the £2 million close-to-the-motorway business park to firms by September.

And as service work to allow building to begin on the 65-acre Bentley Wood Green site nears completion, councillors approved a £21,000 promotional and marketing campaign to generate even more interest. Council leader, Kath Reade says many of the existing inquiries are classed as "very serious".

She said: "Because of the sensitive nature of negotiations, we are not able to name the companies who are very seriously considering locating there, but as soon as we re able we will be only too happy to publicise their tenancies."

The business park, backed by Euro grants, council cash and Challenge Fund money was officially launched nine months ago.

But Labour leaders have been stung by recent criticism over the apparent lack of development of the site since then.

Coun Reade said the estate's infrastructure was not yet complete and the site was not ready for tenants."

Bosses at Empress Mills (1927) Ltd - one of the country's few remaining sewing thread manufacturers - were staying tight-lipped today about how many new jobs would be created by their move from Empress Street to Hollin Hall Mill, the axed Bairdtex site.

But they promised the expansion would mean extra work and a major investment in new machinery. The move will take place during the summer.

The family-owned company, which employs 22 people, plans to increase production and hopes to open a larger version of its popular mill shop.

Director Christine Driver said: "It will be sad to move out of Empress Street as the company has operated here for more than 60 years, but we want to expand and Hollin Hall Mill offers us the space and facilities we don't have here."

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