JOB opportunities are being created with the development of two projects in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales

Eight purpose-built office units are nearing completion at the extended Upper Wensleydale Business Park, in Hawes.

At Silver Street, in Reeth, construction work is about to begin on a further five workshops for business start-ups or relocations.

The development at the Upper Wensleydale Business Park is jointly owned by Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

It has received almost £261,000 in European funding, awarded as part of an initiative to help generate jobs and attract wealth to rural areas.

Each office unit is approximately 550sq ft and will be available from September.

The workshops at Reeth are the result of a partnership between the district council and cabinetmaker Philip Bastow, to develop an area of land next to the Dales Centre, in Silver Street.

The initiative will create four semi-detached and one detached workshop, ranging in size from 500 to 1,000sq ft. They are expected to be ready early next year.

As well as council funding, the project has received support from Yorkshire Forward and Europe.

District council leader John Blackie said: "We have already had considerable interest in both developments and some of the units and workshops have been provisionally reserved.

"The new premises offer an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to relocate or start up a new business, whilst enjoying the wonderful landscape and fantastic lifestyles of the Dales."

The district council's role in securing funding and investment for the developments at Hawes and Reeth has already paid dividends.

They were instrumental in the Government's decision to award the authority Beacon Council status earlier this year, under the theme Supporting the Rural Economy.

Anyone interested in renting a unit at either Reeth or Hawes is asked to contact Abigail Bromirskyj of the economic, cultural and leisure unit, Richmondshire District Council, Friars Wynd, Richmond, telephone (01748) 829100, extension 291.