Developments ‘boost’ employment in Wyre
Residential and commercial developments have helped boost employment figures in Wyre over the last year.
Wyre Council said developments in residential property by David Wilson Homes, at Hawley Gardens, Thornton and by Redrow and Persimmon Homes at Fleetwood Docks have made an impact on employment numbers alongside commercial developments by Booths and Dewlay Cheesemakers at Garstang, creating retail and production jobs respectively.
The council was responding to a new survey by the Office for National Statistics which showed an increase in employment figures of 3.8% in 2010, creating a total of 1,300 jobs in the borough.
The business register and employment survey is a sampled survey undertaken by the Office for National Statistics to estimate the number of employees in all local authority areas in England and Wales, as at 10 September 2010.
The council added that an assessment in 2009 made it clear that Wyre could benefit from almost £1bn of new investment and a recent evaluation suggested that the majority of this figure still remains viable and on track for delivery.
The council added that part of this investment has come to fruition over the last year with an increase in employment, mainly in the construction industry.
Global Renewables, operating the new Waste Technology Park at Thornton was highlighted as a real success story for Wyre, working with Blackpool & The Fylde College and JobCentre Plus to provide new employment opportunities for local people.
Victrex is currently developing the second stage of a new plant at Hillhouse International Business Park, which will add new jobs for the future, and has also contributed construction jobs during an earlier phase of development.
The council said there are other success stories on the employment front in small to medium sized businesses, which it said constitute 99% of all businesses in the area.
Garry Payne, Wyre Council's chief executive, said: "We value the importance of working with businesses to ensure appropriate development in the most suitable areas. We operate to simple business principles which is proving to be a great asset for both the council, communities and businesses. The most recent statistical release is a pleasing demonstration that we are managing to buck the national trend."
The council said the proposed power station at Hillhouse International Business Park in Thornton by Wyre Power is due to get the go-ahead soon and will secure 650 construction and allied trade jobs in a two year construction programme, scheduled to start in 2012 or 2013.
The council added that the £20m fish and food park development in the Copse Road area of Fleetwood and the Sea Change coastal regeneration project in Fleetwood and Cleveleys, will both also add to the positive economic outlook in Wyre.
