BURNLEY’s new MP is hoping to push for Government funding to bring the development of a wind turbine to the town, creating hundreds of jobs.

Academics at the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Burnley Campus have helped to create what they believe to be the most efficient wind turbine in the world.

They have secured European funding to carry on with the research and development and are in talks with Burnley-based aerospace giant Aircelle to create a real-life version of the model.

Mr Birtwistle praised the work done by the campus.

“To have something so significant like this in Burnley is magnificent,” he said.

“As everybody knows we do not make wind turbines in this country, we buy them from abroad, but unfortunately the previous Government didn’t want to support the scheme.”

Martin Brown, principal of UCLan’s Burnley Campus, said: “The research has focused on engineering and sustainability.

“We have had funding to carry on with the work and have bids in for more funding.

“The Burnley Campus has taken a keen interest in the work with its Advanced Manufacturing centre on site.”

Mr Birtwistle said he would push the new Government to support the scheme, and provide a huge boost to the town.

“It would create hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs, if we could reach a stage to fully develop the wind turbine.

“It needs about £4million of investment and I will push to get it back on the agenda with the Government.”