CONSTRUCTION work has begun on two new business developments which will bring more than 250 jobs to the Selby area.

Work was officially kicked off by Selby MP John Grogan on an extension to the Saint-Gobain float glass plant at Eggborough, and the Dransfield Properties retail park in Bawtry Road.

Mr Grogan attended VIP receptions at both sites to cut the first turf on business ventures worth a combined £23 million.

"Both of these developments show how attractive Selby is to inward investors," he said.

"This is the second stage of Saint-Gobain's welcome commitment to the area, and the Dransfield Properties development is right on the doorstep of Selby South ward, which suffers from high unemployment and will now have opportunities for jobs."

The new 7,000 square metre extension to the existing Saint-Gobain float glass plant will involve the construction of the UK's first magnetron coating facility, creating 60 extra jobs. Production is expected to start in spring 2004, and plant operators are currently being recruited, with special efforts being made to reach local miners who have been made redundant. The scheme was secured with the help of a £750,000 grant from Yorkshire Forward. Managing director of Saint-Gobain Glass UK, Guillerme Huguen, said construction of the coater would allow the company to capitalise on the dramatic growth in demand for this type of glass in the UK and ensure Eggborough stays ahead of the competition.

"Its operation will have no negative effect on the surrounding community. The coating process is quiet and will have no environmental impact.

"Eggborough will continue to be the most environmentally-friendly float glass plant in the UK."

The Bawtry Road retail park will house outlets for Aldi, Homebase, Halfords, Pets At Home, Carpetright and Brantano, plus a McDonald's Drive-Thru restaurant and a state-of-the-art Choices Video store.

Dransfield Properties say the site will be open for business at Christmas, creating more than 200 jobs - possibly luring shoppers from York, Castleford and Doncaster.

Mark Dransfield, managing director, said: "We want to thank the council members and the public for their continued support and we look forward to bringing forward a high quality development which we are sure is going to be an extremely popular shopping location."

Updated: 12:09 Saturday, June 21, 2003