A MAJOR launch is planned for an Economic Development Zone, which is expected to create more than 2,000 Bolton jobs.

The EDZ in Westhoughton, Horwich and Blackrod -- announced earlier this year -- is being kick-started with £10.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund and could attract another £65 million in private sector investment.

Fifteen development companies and public sector organisations have applied for a share of the £10.6m with a view to creating premises for hi-tech businesses on more than 60 acres of available brownfield land in the three towns.

Employers who are attracted to the area will have access to free and subsidised business support services, help to identify business and skill needs, support to recruit appropriately skilled staff and incentives to recruit from disadvantaged groups and communities in Bolton.

Improved public transport links will be a priority.

The zone will be managed by the Bolton European Funding Partnership, in conjunction with Bolton Council and the Bolton WIDE organisation, which seeks to promote industrial development on the west side of the town.

Co-ordinator Mari Martin-Matthews works with three staff in the European Funding Partnership office in Paderborn House, Bolton.

She said today that a launch was planned for late October or early November at either the Reebok Stadium or Bolton Arena.

She said they had had a lot of interest from bidders wanting to access some of the cash on offer, but they were still interested to hear from prospective developers. She stressed that money was not available for individual businesses or developments with one end-user.

The Bolton European Funding Partnership board, which will decide on applications for EDZ grants, is chaired by Cllr Frank White. Mrs Martin-Matthews said: "We work with people to make sure the projects meet local needs and priorities," she said.

Land owners/developers interested in securing grants to support appropriate developments in the EDZ can contact Mark Martin-Matthews on 01204 331049 or Simon Godley at Bolton WIDE on 01204 336141.