WORK has started on a £2.5m business park which could bring 600 jobs to Huddersfield.

Workers have begun preparing the ground for the Bradley Business Park development.

The project at the junction of Bradley Road and Redwood Drive, Bradley, is being spearheaded by Kirklees Council.

The council has pledged to inv- olve local building firms.

Main contractor Bethel Construction is using local suppliers, labour and trainees on the scheme.

The council-based Workforce Now job creation agency will be promoting the 25-acre site to local companies - with the accent on attracting technology-based businesses.

Workforce Now will also be on hand to help with training of job applicants for companies coming on to the site.

Council officers have estimated that 600 jobs could be created by firms taking units on the site.

They envisage interest from both start-up businesses and firms seeking bigger premises.

Clr David Payne, Kirklees Council Cabinet member responsible for environment and transport, said the council was keen to promote jobs in the Bradley area.

He said: "We look forward to welcoming new investment and new employers to this part of Huddersfield."

Residents fought a long battle against the proposals, claiming that the business park would worsen traffic congestion.

But the proposals were approved by Kirklees in March.

Funding for the scheme includes more than £850,000 from Europe to help pay for road improvements, landscaping and groundwork.