by Jen Green

JOB opportunities in Burford took a leap forward recently with the official opening of a £1 million business park.

The chief of Advantage West Midlands, which developed Lower Teme Business Park, has heralded the venture as the start of bringing jobs into the area and employment land back into use.

Comprising five light industrial units, the park was opened by Advantage West Midlands chief executive John Edwards on October 5.

"We're delighted to see the units at Lower Teme open and even more delighted to see a growing, progressive company like Tenbury Timber on board and working away," Mr Edwards said.

"The relocation of Wells Soft Drinks in 1997 was a big loss to the Tenbury economy and this development seeks to make Burford an even more attractive place for businesses.

"We can now start bringing employment land back into use and jobs into the area."

The Burford site has been refurbished and converted into offices and workshops.

Tenbury Timbers, formerly M & M Structures, has relocated there from Clows Top as part of an expansion programme.

Director Mick Clent said: "Moving to the new premises and adopting our new name means a new era for this company.

"We have a long history and we're now looking to the future.

"The move to Lower Teme is the first stage in what will be an exciting time in our growth.

"I'm from Tenbury myself - and even worked at the Wells Soft Drinks plant for 18 years - so I'm particularly pleased to have this new base."