BUSINESSES have the chance to buy plots of land in the newly-extended Upper Wensleydale business park at Hawes.

The development, owned by Richmondshire District and North Yorkshire County Councils and Yorkshire Forward, includes eight serviced building plots on 2.2 acres.

They are available with planning permission for two-storey light industrial units or offices and are sold individually or in combination.

Coun John Blackie, district council leader and member for Hawes and High Abbotside, said: "We have already had considerable interest in the development and two of the plots have been reserved. The business park enjoys the wonderful landscape of the upper dales and is close to Hawes with its good range of shops and services.

"It is an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to relocate to the area or start up a new business."

Grants of up to £1,500 and interest-free loans up to £3,000 could be available, under the council's industrial and rural aid schemes, to businesses moving into the park.

The authority has also received £260,889 of European funding to develop one of the plots as ready-built office space with seven units for rent. Construction work has just started.

Alison Biddulph, in charge of Objective 2 funding at the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This extra money will help boost community confidence, generate jobs and attract much-needed wealth into this rural area."

Pictured, right, Coun John Blackie examines plans for the new offices at the Upper Wensleydale business park.