A £3.7 million business park expansion expected to create hundreds of jobs in north Shropshire came a step closer today after it emerged work is to begin later this month.

News that work is to begin on phase two of Tern Valley Business Park, Market Drayton, in the next fortnight comes as a boost to the north Shropshire economy as the recession continues to bite.

Residents living near the site on the outskirts of town have this week received letters from contractors explaining a timetable for the work.

It is expected to begin on November 16 and finish in March next year.

The work will provide additional units for offices and light industry, general industry and storage and distribution.

It also includes the creation of a roundabout at the Longford Turning junction, the removal of part of the estate road which links to the existing Tern Valley Business Park and the creation of a pond.

The old Shropshire County Council agreed to the development, which has backing from Advantage West Midlands, last year.

The project is seen as a way of creating jobs and safeguarding employment by attracting businesses to the area and also providing the infrastructure for established companies to expand.

Chris Hill, Shropshire Council’s team leader for investment and infrastructure, said: “Shropshire Council is eager to stimulate economic development, so that land and opportunities to expand will be available.”