THE rejuvenation of East Chorley takes a great leap forward this week with the launch of a new homes project on the old 3M Tape site.

The former factory land at Steeley Lane was blighted with chemical contamination and had been at the centre of several storms over raw materials leaking into town centre sewers.

Now, thanks to a partnership between Chorley Borough Council and the Preston-based North British Housing Association, the land has been cleaned up and 47 homes are being built for rent and sale.

The development will be launched on Friday, August 30, by Chorley's deputy mayor Lindsay Hoyle and former Coronation Street star Ken Morley.

The project is soon to be recognised nationally when it features in a government-sponsored publication promoting good practice in partnership regeneration work.

Coun Barry Hodson, chairman of housing at Chorley Borough Council, expressed his delight at the success of the partnership: "I am extremely pleased to see the progress that has been made on this important initiative.

"The success to date reflects favourably on all the partners but, more importantly, the development will revitalise this area, bringing new homes affordable to local people and new employment prospects."

The North British scheme will have a Scottish feel, as regional development manager Allan Ramsay explained: "We bought this site on the 20th anniversary of Bonnie Prince Charlie's stay in Chorley and we thought it appropriate to name the scheme 'The Highlanders' and to commemorate some of the clans involved through the street naming."

Deputy mayor Cllr Lindsay Hoyle will open the new link road to the site at 11.30am and festivities will continue at 1pm when Ken Morley will open the show home and meet visitors.

Young visitors will have the chance to win a family ticket to Granada Studios in a Coronation Street fancy dress competition.

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