ONE hundred and fifty new jobs are being created at an Accrington call centre.

The announcement represents a complete turnaround for the site at the Globe Centre, St. James’ Square.

Last year Thomas Cook closed its call centre as part of moves to save £2million, putting 260 jobs at risk.

But at the 11th hour Sitel, a firm which provides call centers for internet-based travel agent Expedia, took over the site, saving 150 posts.

And now the firm has announced that it will expand the operation by the autumn, doubling the workforce.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “We have worked very closely with Sitel, which is based in the Globe Centre, over a number of weeks.

”It is a wonderful operation we spoke to the top people there who are pleased with the workforce in Hyndburn.

“They are doing very, very well. It seems the Lancashire voice is welcoming and friendly.

“Sitel is looking to expand by Autumn and are looking to employ 300 people on the site.

“It’s nice to see that Hyndburn Borough Council is bucking the trend in creating jobs in this climate.”

But speaking after the meeting, leader of the opposition Graham Jones took a swipe at the Conservative group.

He said: “The expansion plans announced by Sitel are thanks to the hard work of the former council leader George Slynn who died last month.

“It was his vision and it is his legacy which has created these jobs. It was his vision to have fibre optic cables fitted in the building, which the Conservative’s were opposed to, and it has attracted major IT companies as a result.

“It is sickening that Peter Britcliffe is taking credit for something he was opposed to.”

Coun Britcliffe added: “The fact is the Labour group in Hyndburn are totally unable to welcome any good news that the Conservatives have created.

"George Slynn did help build the Globe Centre. Since 1999, when we came to power, we embraced everything about it. Isn’t it time we all started to work together?”