A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to create a new business hub to bring investment and jobs to the area has taken another step forwards.

Plans to decontaminate and clear derelict land to make way for Barrow's Waterfront Business Park on Barrow Island were officially approved yesterday.

Work can now get underway to prepare the site for construction including removing all trace of asbestos and hydrocarbon, installing utilities, removing all fly tipping, debris and boundary fencing and ensuring the ground is protected from flooding.

The new Dova Way is also set to be extended to provide an emergency access route into the area.

The plans were granted permission unanimously and without comment by members of Cumbria County Council's development control committee during a meeting in Kendal.

Speaking after the meeting, member for Barrow, Councillor Kevin Hamilton said he welcomed the progress being made after seeing the ambitious project delayed for several years following cuts to Government funding.

"Things are happening with the site now," he told the Evening Mail.

"The allotment holders have agreed to relocate and there are 70 or so traps there now for slow worms and lizards.

"The next step is to prepare the land.

"We want everything done as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.

"This is also very important for the regeneration of Barrow and we want to get on with it."

The Barrow Waterfront scheme is part of a masterplan for the area designed to net between 1,200 and 1,600 jobs by creating 408,000sq ft of employment land.

It is hoped the ambitious move will encourage advanced manufacturing firms to locate to the new business park.

Fellow representative for Barrow on CCC, Cllr Bill McEwan, added: "It's crucial that we get on with this now and get started with this work.

"We want to see this project taking shape as soon as possible."