WIDENING the M65 could

create an extra 3,000 jobs across East Lancashire within five years, it was revealed today.

The figures were released as council bosses and business leaders urged Highways Agency bosses and the government to give the scheme the green light as soon as possible.

The Highways Agency revealed earlier this year it was drawing up plans to give the M65 three lanes along its entire length -- something they said could happen within the next 10 years.

But regeneration bosses feel action is needed sooner to ensure inward investment to the region continues and that transport links can cope with increased growth.

Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with

Darwen Council, said: "We have estimated that the creation of around 2,500 to 3,000 jobs is being prevented by the lack of development on the M65, which equates to £30-£40million in the medium term of two to six years.

"It became apparent to us when we were looking at the strategic site at Whitebirk around a year ago the congestion at junctions five and six would seriously affect that site.

"We will continue to put pressure on the government to have the M65 widened and we very much welcome the comments of Jack Straw who said one of his priorities was to assist us in getting the M65 widened, and I know Greg Pope is doing the same for Hyndburn."

Mike Damms, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We would very much welcome the widening of the M65 but believe there is a need for improvements now, not within 10 years."

Mr Straw has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport, pointing out the importance of widening of the motorway.

He said: "It is essential to allow the development of new business parks to create thousands more jobs."