BLACKBURN'S new £6 million development on the site of the former wholesale market will be completed by this autumn.

Construction work on the three-acre plot, to build a modern bingo hall and Benefits Agency office block, is part of a City Challenge project.

And when they are finished, 80 new jobs will be created and 220 retained in the agency.

This week, Councillor Gail Barton, Blackburn Council's development services committee chairman, handed the scheme's official documents to developers Maple Grove, a part of the Eric Wright group.

Coun Barton said: "I am delighted that this major scheme is coming to fruition.

"It will bring new jobs, preserve existing ones and form an important part of our town centre redevelopment programme.

"It will also mean extra customers for the markets."

Jim Carter, managing director of Maple Grove, said: "We are delighted to be able to report that building work is now well advanced on an important site in the town.

"We have worked closely with the local authority during the past two years and have put together a scheme we believe will greatly enhance the town centre."

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